CT: So you feel that Bishop Nazir-Ali was perhaps too strong in his assertion about "no-go areas"?
NR: Bishop Nazir-Ali is a very wise and thoughtful colleague and I would like to talk to him more about his views before I really comment on them. But certainly terms like "no-go areas" are nothing like I have experienced.
The Bishop has actually stayed a night here in the diocese and he is very welcome to come again and have the opportunity to see how things are here.
CT: Some Muslims called for the Bishop of Rochester's resignation over his comments. Have you spoken to any Muslim leaders in the Blackburn area? Do you know what their reaction is?
NR: I am aware that there is a lot of hurt, yes.
CT: What about Christians who feel that Muslims receive preferential treatment by local and national Government, at work or in the media? Or those who are concerned that Christianity is being pushed out of the public square?
NR: We're not being pushed out of the public square. I have my cathedral here in Blackburn and there are no Muslims here trying to push me out of my cathedral! As I said, we even have a Muslim woman on our staff here.
I think there has to be equality for all under the law, but I am not aware of preferential treatment. I don't see any evidence of that.
There should be the right to wear a particular dress according to a particular religion but it is very important that we are sensitive to the needs of others in our communities without being asked to compromise our own faith identities.
There is the need for huge improvement, certainly, but relationships are not built overnight and I think inflammatory statements do not help. Here in the Diocese of Blackburn we will continue to dialogue, meet and grow in understanding of one another.
