The European Council of Religious Leaders, tackles the topic of Muslims and terror in Birmingham in its first UK conference.

The ECRL event 'Muslims in Britain' takes place at Birmingham's Sikh temple, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, and Soho Road's Civic Centre.

With sessions entitled 'Terror and Fear' and 'Muslims in Britain - what's the problem?', the event will engage with the key challenges facing British Muslims, particularly after today's charges of five Muslims following last week's events.

Bishop Gunnar Stålsett, moderator of ECRL, hopes the gathering will generate more vocal support for Muslims from non-Muslim faith leaders: 'When Islam is invoked by terrorists to justify their destructive ways, there is at the same time a louder calling for non-Muslim leaders to speak up for a faith they know to have non-violence and compassion at its heart.

"It is poignant that this event is being hosted by a Sikh temple in Birmingham, and just as we look forward to listening to and learning more about the excellent interfaith work in Birmingham and throughout the UK, we hope the non-Muslim faith leaders will learn something from the Council's vocal model of solidarity and unity with Muslims.' The event will hear from John Battle MP, Tony Blair's faith envoy, and numerous religious leaders, including Bhai Mohinder Singh, chair of GNNSJ and member of the ECRL.

He will speak about the need to stand up for Muslims: 'There is a great deal of confusion and misrepresentation about Islam.

"The Sikh faith has a very strong tradition of standing up against the oppression of other faiths and it is in this spirit we are honoured to host this ECRL meeting.' The conference takes place at the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, 18-20 Soho Rd, Birmingham on Monday 12 February.