The Hope Not Hate campaign is led by the Searchlight charity and aims to counter racism and fascism, particularly the claims of the BNP party.

Dr John Sentamu, originally from Uganda, said people were made in the image of God, regardless of their colour, and urged people to get behind the campaign.

“It is an important campaign that what matters in this life is turning enemies into friends – not friends into enemies,” he said.

Dr Sentamu was speaking at the 100th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of Diocesan Church House in Deansgate, Manchester, on Thursday.

He quoted 1 Corinthians 13 in which the apostle Paul exhorts believers to have faith, hope and love, the greatest of which is love.

“You cannot love through hate, hate is driven by fear. Love banishes all hate. If you do not respect other people, you cannot fully respect yourself,” he said.

"We are made in the image of God, no matter our colour, culture or ethnicity.

“I hope that the people of this great city will banish hate and embrace hope.”