THE Bishop of Dudley has urged people to “reject the message of those who speak of hatred and discord” ahead of the English Defence League’s protest tomorrow (Saturday).

The Right Reverend Graham Usher said he was “deeply saddened” that the controversial protest group would “try to divide and sow the seeds of distrust in our community”.

He continued: “Dudley is a town where people have historically lived well together, creating strong communities, and where different people have made huge contributions to our life together. This is something to be rightly proud about.”

“I deplore, in the strongest terms, those who single out for hate our Muslim brothers and sisters. I see an attack on one faith as an attack on all faiths. Freedom to worship is at the core of our democratic and tolerant society and must remain so.

“We read in the Gospels about how Jesus continually goes to the outsider, the different, the marginalised and welcomes them. Amongst Jesus’ strongest words was the imperative to love our neighbours.

“That is why I am in solidarity with all members of the Dudley Interfaith Network condemning the EDL’s distasteful demonstration. We must firmly reject the message of those all who speak of hatred and discord. I call on all who care about Dudley to keep sowing love where there is any hatred, bringing harmony where there is any discord, and living with hope where there is any despair.

“It is only by that way that we can all continue to live peaceably together for the flourishing of our town and borough.”