"I am saddened and dismayed that when the Archbishop of Canterbury was invited to open and resource a public debate, the aim of which was to build a more vibrant and cohesive society, he is then subjected to hysterical knee jerk reaction. It seems obvious that much of this has been second hand reporting and accounts.

The Archbishop's lecture aimed to take forward a serious public debate, in a society dominated by a secularist agenda and where faith communities and their voice have been increasingly marginalized.

The Archbishop can count on the support of all serious minded people who are prepared to tackle the challenges of our complex society."

ends