A DUDLEY Muslim leader is calling for all faiths to stand against Islamic State terrorists at home and abroad.

Imam Hamid Qudoos Hashmi, from Dudley Central Mosque, made his rallying cry as he became the first Imam to address the Worcester Diocesan Synod.

Spraking at a meeting of the Synod, which is the governing body for the Church of England in Worcestershire and Dudley, the Imam told how he had been reduced to tears when he heard of atrocities committed by IS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

Imam Hashmi said: “The actions of IS are affecting us here and Christians and Muslims must work together to tackle the situation.

“Throughout our history Christians have given shelter to Muslims and our two faiths are very close. Now we must stand together to show people that IS has nothing to do with our faith.”

Bishop John added: “The good friendship we enjoy with our Muslim neighbours is vitally important, not just to us here in Worcestershire and Dudley, but for the future of the whole planet.

“What is happening in the Middle East is not a religious war, but about people using religion for their own purposes. We have an opportunity to stand up to that in our small corner of the world and we must take it.”

The Synod unanimously agreed to support a motion condemning the violation of people's right to freedom of religion and belief in Iraq and Syria, and especially the destruction of ancient Christian communities.

They also called upon churches to pray and give generously to support relief efforts for refugees, for the British government to offer asylum to people being persecuted because of their faith and to support work in Dudley to produce a joint declaration for peace.