London: A Pakistan born senior bishop has warned that the decline of Christianity in Britain has paved the way for radical Islam to fill a moral vacuum, a comment that could create a row over the relationship between Islam and the West.

The Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, claimed the "social and sexual" revolution of the 1960s had led to a steep decline in the influence of Christianity over society.

The bishop, who was born in Pakistan of Christian parents, said the decline of Christian values has created a "moral vacuum" which radical Islam is filling, the Daily Telegraph reported today.

In an article published in the magazine Standpoint, Nazir-Ali said Britain had become gripped by the doctrine of "endless self-indulgence" which had led to the destruction of family life, rising levels of drug abuse and drunkenness and mindless violence on the streets.

The outspokenness of Bishop of Rochester, who has become well-known as a defender of traditional Christianity, warned that radical Islam is now moving in to fill the void created by the decline of Christianity. His comments are just the latest in a long line of combustible remarks he has made over the relationship between Islam and the West.

Earlier this year, he faced death threats when he said that that some parts of UK had become no-go areas for non-Muslims. Last weekend he also courted controversy by claiming that the Church was not doing enough to convert British Muslims to Christianity.

Source : PTI