“The relationship between Islam and Christianity in the UK is a complex one, and three articles in a journal can barely scratch the surface of that complexity.

It is undoubtedly true that violent Islamist inspired extremism is on the rise throughout the world. And it is equally true that the overwhelming majority of Muslims who live in the UK have no terrorist or violent intentions towards their fellow British citizens.

But so much more can, and should, be said.

The Church must face up to the reality of British Muslims engaging in acts of horrific violence both in the United Kingdom and throughout the world.

Questions of domestic violence, of gender selective abortion, of ghettoization and deliberate isolation from the wider community, as well as experience of Isalmophobia, heavy-handed policing, disproportionately high unemployment and educational drop-out rates are all pressing issues within Britian’s diverse Muslim communities.

These are all questions that the Church can, and should be helping answer.

We are called to love our enemies, to follow the pattern of the Good Samaritan who deliberately chose to respond to the need of a wounded fellow human being, paying no attention to his religious beliefs.

Carl Medearis and Steve Bell are two well-known Christians who speak clearly of the importance of displaying grace to our Muslim brothers and sisters as we share the love of Jesus Christ with them, and Interserve’s Friendship First course is an excellent resource for those wishing to take first steps in engaging positively with their Muslim neighbours.

This will not be an easy or straightforward process, but it is an urgent, pressing concern for today.

Anvil, the Anglican journal of theology and mission has devoted its latest issue to the topic of Islam in Britain.”