Bishop of Manchester calls for Hindu and Sikh voices to be strengthened

Date published: 07/09/2007

The Bishop of Manchester has called for Hindu's, Sikhs and other faiths to be affirmed and not overlooked in community or civic life. Writing in the September edition of CRUX, the Manchester Diocesan Magazine, which covers Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton churches, the Rt Revd Nigel McCullough said: "Our Muslim community is sizable and significant. But we must beware lest the smaller, and also significant, number of Hindus, Sikhs and others, feel marginalised and overlooked. I sense that is sometimes the case."

The Bishop is concerned that, while Christians, Jewish and Muslim communities are often given a high profile by the media or find they are well represented in various forums, this situation often denies other faiths a voice.

The Bishop said: "Our modern religious mix in this country, and particularly in Greater Manchester, is hugely enriching and positive. But it is also a tinder box that needs treating with the utmost care.

"The Christian Church, without weakening its faith in Jesus as Lord, is uniquely able to encourage and affirm other faiths - so that together we can show today's cynical and materialistic society that stunning eternal beauty which exceeds all else: the beauty of God's peace and love."