'It's not war between Islam and Christianity'

The head of the Church of England was today telling Muslims that the military action in Afghanistan was not a war between Christianity and Islam.

Archbishop of Canterbury Dr George Carey said earlier he felt many Christians across the world felt vulnerable following the strikes against the Taliban, but he added that it was ‘‘sadly ... a necessary conflict’’.

Dr Carey’s message was being broadcast on the Arabic satellite TV station al Jazeera later today in a bid to ‘‘deepen the dialogue’’ between the two faiths.

Speaking from Qatar in the Persian Gulf, Dr Carey told BBC Radio: ‘‘I think the effects of September 11 have made Christians in some parts of the world feel more vulnerable.

‘‘Pakistan is an obvious example ... I must hasten to add here that in the Middle East where in Bahrain and Qatar that is not a reality, where Christians are welcomed, but certainly that Christians are feeling that minorities in dominant Muslim lands, especially where there’s been a history, do feel very very unsafe indeed.

‘‘And part of my message is that we must deepen the dialogue, care for one another and I talked about reciprocity, and the fact that we actually have good news from the United Kingdom.

‘‘I have been involved in dialogue there for many years and there is very good news from the 1,500 mosques and that the relationships are particularly good, and maybe this is something we can say to the rest of the world that Christians and Muslims can get on well together.’’

Asked about British Muslims wanting to fight for the Taliban, Dr Carey said: ‘‘I do understand that and the fears that many young Muslims around the world have.

‘‘Again I need to say that here in the Middle East that is not being picked up in quite the same way.

‘‘In fact, actually I have the great privilege of meeting the Amir of Qatar yesterday who is the current President of the Organisation of Islamic Conference, and he is pretty open in his condemnation of September 11 and the war that’s followed.

‘‘And he is very fierce in saying that Christians and Muslims can get on together.

But he added: ‘‘I think the Muslims in Britain must address that question, and the leaders must listen to the young and the young must listen to the leaders.’’

He added: ‘‘We want young Muslims to feel at home in our country, to be part of our great nation and to make their contribution to it.’’

Dr Carey added: ‘‘The message we must give, communicate to young Muslims throughout the world that we are not attacking Islam. This is not a conflict between two great world faiths.

‘‘Sadly, it is a necessary conflict, and we hope and pray that the conflict will be over as quickly as possible, and we hope that bin Laden will be found.

‘‘We need to rebuild the nation of Afghanistan ... Christian Aid, Red Crescent, Red Cross and we have Muslim and Christian charities working side by side, bringing aid to the Afghanistan people.’’