War could damage relations, Bishop says

War could damage relations, Bishop says

The Bishop is hoping for a speedy end to war

A prolonged war with Iraq could damage good relations with minority communities across Worcester, the city's Bishop has warned.

Dr Peter Selby attended a special prayer meeting for peace at St Martin's Church on London Road, Worcester, on Wednesday night.

Representatives from the city's mosques and the wider Muslim communities were also represented.

Dr Selby said the longer the battle to defeat Saddam Hussein goes on, relations with minority communities will be put under strain.

'Tremendous strain'

He told BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester: "I do think that the longer it continues, the bigger become the stresses, particularly on the younger members of the community.

"They want to be British but their loyalty is then put under tremendous strain as they feel that this war is one in a long succession of ways in which western people are not really even handed in their dealings with Muslims and the Arab nations in particular."

Meanwhile the efforts by Worcester's Anglican and Muslim leaders to continue promoting good relations was welcomed by a leading Pakistani figure in Worcester at the prayer meeting.

Malek Mohammed Fayaz, of the Pakistan Welfare Society in Worcester, said: "A life should be cherished and it should be mourned if it is lost.

"For that reason we are here together with the community, with out Christian brothers to pray to God Almighty. At times like this, it is wonderful to be united."