Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, who earlier caused anger by suggesting some Muslim communities were ‘no go areas’ has created a fresh argument by claiming that the collapse of a ‘Christian nation’ has left Britain in a moral vacuum.

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.

Church leaders in Pakistan have joined the widespread strong condemnation of the recent assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who they saw as a voice for gretaer equality and freedom - including religious freedom.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair's recent statement that he was reluctant to speak about his religious faith while he was in office as he felt people in Britain might regard him as a "nutter" has stirred vigorous debate.

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.