The Muslim News

Devon, Western Morning News:

News that a Muslim community has been offered space in Truro Cathedral after meetings were banned at a house has been hailed as a sign of "peace and reconciliation". The cross-faith partnership prompted scores of letters of support after Muslims in Cornwall were told by a planning inspector last November they could no longer meet at a house on the outskirts of Truro.

Since then the group has been trying to find a suitable temporary building to be used for education, and has finally agreed with Truro Cathedral to use a room in its offices.

Truro Diocesan spokesman Jeremy Dowling said the public response had been positive and suggested goodwill.

"We have had a lot of letters welcoming it and saying it was a clear sign of peace and reconciliation at a time not easy for relationships between the two religions," he said. "There have been a couple of cross letters, but with over 60 in favour and two anonymous letters not happy with the situation we feel the public is behind us."

Religious practice will be kept separate from the facility as Truro College has already offered a temporary place of prayer. The college will provide a multi-faith facility as part of its new development at Gloweth.

Mr Dowling said: "The space at Truro Cathedral will be used for education, the equivalent of Sunday school."

Perran Gay, acting Dean of Truro, said: "We are delighted to be able to offer this hospitality. It provides an opportunity to promote mutual understanding locally in the face of tensions caused internationally by religious and political difficulties."

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