Tributes have been paid to the founder and director of The Christian Institute, Colin Hart. The 60-year-old, died suddenly on Wednesday aftenroon of a suspected heart attack.

Rev Dr Richard Turnbull, chairman of trustees for The Christian Institute said in a statement: “We give thanks for Colin’s vision, gifts and life, and pray for his family and friends. Many of you will have known Colin and will want to offer your own thanks and prayers to the Lord. The work continues as Colin would desire. Thank you for your support. Please keep all the staff and Trustees in your prayers.”

Ciaran Kelly, now acting director of the Christian campaign group, has also asked for prayers for the organisation’s staff and all those who knew Hart well.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

The Christian Institute, which Hart founded in 1991, works to promote Christianity in the UK and Ireland through campaigning on issues related to the Church. The organisation seeks to influence public policy in areas such as religious liberty, education, gambling and assisted suicide.