Former Anglican Archbishop of Dublin, The Rt Revd John Neill, has stated his support for a Yes vote in the upcoming marriage equality referendum.

Neill (pictured centre) explains his decision to vote ‘yes’ in a letter to Church of Ireland Gazette.“I will be voting ‘Yes’ in the forthcoming referendum, not because I feel that the Church of Ireland has either affirmed or made provision for same-sex marriage but because I believe that it is a proper development of the understanding of marriage and that the State can give a lead in this matter”

Dr Richard O’Leary, Chair of the Church of Ireland group Changing Attitude Ireland (CAI) welcomed the statement, saying “Dr Neill joins a growing number of prominent Christians who have declared that same sex civil marriage is consistent with their Christian beliefs”.

“Last weekend at the Church’s General Synod we were encouraged at our CAI display stand by the number of church delegates who told us they will be voting yes,” he added.