At this tragic moment in time, when there seem to be extreme feelings and anger between the West and Islam, there are still positive forces of spiritual love and understanding to be found between both communities.

I witnessed an example of this in our city just a few days ago.

Last Friday, a group of students from the UK Interfaith Seminary paid a visit to Brighton's Mosque, at the very moment some extreme and angry Islamic demonstrations were taking place in London and other capital cities in the world.

The Interfaith students, a group of two men and four women, including myself, were warmly welcomed to the mosque.

We spent most of the afternoon there in an enlightening and enthusiastic discussion about Islam with one of the most prominent members of the local Islamic community.

We were also generously welcomed by the Imam, despite the fact he had no prior notice of our visit.

At the end of the afternoon, we were invited to pray in the mosque, a generous and unexpected invitation, which was inspiring and moving for us all.

The occasion was important for many reasons but I think its greatest value was the common acceptance that, in peace and love, there are no barriers between followers of diverse faiths.

We just need to try to learn about each other, in order to understand each other and so be kind to each other.

Brighton and Hove, a city which prides itself in its diversity and loving acceptance of all peoples, must strive to lead on issues of peace and faith.

-Anthea Ballam, Brighton