MEMBERS of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Halesowen visited a Stourbridge church to build bridges of peace between the two religions.

They also remembered the victims of extremism in recent attacks on churches and mosques in Pakistan during the visit to Chawn Hill Church.

The group, from the Long Lane mosque, were invited by senior minister James Treasure and both he and Imam Aqeel Kang addressed the gathering.

The minister said: “We believe that both our religions show that the way of peace is a real possibility and by meeting together we hope it will continue to break down walls and build bridges between our faiths.”

Thanking the church congregation for their invitation, the imam said: “We unite today, in gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and share in this country, to live our lives in peace and to practice our different faiths without hindrance or fear - freedoms that are sadly denied to many in others countries.”

Referring to the attacks on churches he said: “The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community categorically condemns the recent attacks on churches in Lahore, Pakistan.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this heinous crime. We stand ready to help our Christian brothers and sisters in need.”