The decision by Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali to step down 10 years before he could have retired to begin a career ministering to persecuted Christians has stirred vigorous global debate.

The Anglican Bishop of Rochester, Dr Michael Nazir Ali, has announced his intention to step down so that he can give more time to supporting under-pressure Christians around the world.

The Bishop of Rochester has been strongly criticised for his claims that Islamic extremism has turned some communities into no-go areas, and that Britain is disintegrating because it is no longer seen as a Christian nation.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, faces rebellion in his own episcopal ranks after the Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir Ali, indicated that he may boycott next year's Lambeth conference over the gay row and others issues.

The Anglican Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, has chosen Christmastide to reignite the row about religious dress in a plural society - by saying that legislation should be introduced giving some officials the power to remove the veil worn by Muslim women.