THE next Bishop of Chelmsford has urged people in Essex not to vote for the British National Party in the general election.

The Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell, currently Bishop of Reading, said the “Christian voice must counter racist voices”.

The 51-year-old, who was born in Leigh, is set to become bishop of the second largest populated Church of England diocese in the country, behind London.

He said it was important for people to vote, despite a lack of confidence in the political process.

He said: “There is a disturbing rise in the BNP in some parts of this diocese, but we must counter these racist views with our Christian voice.

“There are huge diversities of race and faiths in this diocese.

“Christians should cast their vote to look beyond selfish thoughts, to what is better for the wider area.

“My message to voters is to go out and vote, despite an understandable anxiety and dissillusion in the political process.

“I believe the particular Christian message to offer here is we do want to live in a world which offers difference and diversity.

“We are blessed in East London and Essex with diversity in our communities and it is something to celebrate, not to be frightened of.

“I hope Christians will take a lead in countering some of the more fear-ridden, race-motivated politics which are the politics of the BNP.”

A BNP spokesman was quick to defend his party.

He said: “Instead of worrying about the Islamification of Britain, which will see the destruction and suppression of Christianity, these people would rather spend their time objecting to British people trying to preserve Britain.

“It is little wonder their pews are rapidly emptying of adherents.”

Mr Cottrell made his own views known yesterday, ahead of officially taking up the Essex and East London Diocese post in the autumn.

He was born and brought up in Leigh, which he considers to be his home. He said: “I am looking forward to returning to this large and richly diverse diocese and excited by the challenges which lie ahead.”

The 51-year-old was accompanied by his wife Rebecca. They were childhood sweethearts and met in Leigh when she was 17 and he was 19.

They married at St Margaret’s Church, in Leigh, where his parents still worship. He was baptised at St Barnabas Church, in Hadleigh.

The Chelmsford diocese is the second largest in the country, with 2.8million people, and covers the whole of Essex, including the unitary authorities of Thurrock and Southend, plus five East London boroughs.

Mr Cottrell will head up a team of three area bishops, with 608 churches in the diocese.

The last bishop, John Gladwin, retired in August. The acting bishop has been the Bishop of Bradwell, the Rt Rev Dr Laurie Green.

Mr Cottrell said he had spoken with Mr Gladwin who had congratulated him. He continued: “I know I shall be building on some good foundation work here.

“I am mindful the work which has been done here and I am looking forward to coming and working alongside you.”

When asked what he felt was his greatest challenge, he said: “There are many thousands of people growing up with no contact with the church and I have a great desire to find ways to make contact, particularly with the young.

“Also we have to inhabit this planet in a sustainable way for the future.”

The bishop has been at Reading for the past six years and is the author of many books.

He is a lifelong Spurs fan, but said his grandfather took him to Southend United’s Roots Hall when he was young.

Diplomatically he said: “I think I shall have to adopt Southend again and shall pray for them to stay up. Also I understand Chelmsford are doing well.”

The bishop also spoke of the change he, his wife and three sons would have to make. Sam is 14, Ben, 16, and Joe, 19.

He said: “I told them at the weekend we were moving again. It is hard for them but I believe God has called me and this move is right for me and my family.

“I felt excitement when I got over the shock.”