Bishop leads war protest

Bishop Sentamu supports the London march

Up to 800 people joined the Bishop of Birmingham in the city to protest against any military action in Iraq.

The Right Reverend John Sentamu arranged the Birmingham event as hundreds of thousands of people marched through the streets of London in an anti-war protest.

Bishop Sentamu had called for "all people of good will" to join him between 1200GMT and 1400GMT at Birmingham Cathedral.

The protest concluded with prayers and the lighting of candles for peace in the cathedral.

There is no moral basis at present for a military invasion of Iraq

Bishop John Sentamu

Bishop Sentamu said: "The message being sent out is simple 'Make peace not war: give peace a chance'.

"The very, very clear message is that the government should listen.

"And if they do not listen, I am afraid we are going to be in great difficulties in the future."

Bishop Sentamu said Birmingham protesters supported those people who chose to march in London.

"There is no moral basis at present for a military invasion of Iraq," he said.

"There is little appetite for war from people in this country, in this diocese or in this city."