Yes, by all means your empty-headed eminence, let's re-root ourselves and our culture in the moral and spiritual tradition of a country like Iran, which first kidnaps solidiers operating in another country under a UN mandate (an act of war, according to the traditions of international law, by the way), threatens their lives, jails them, parades them in front of cameras as propaganda props, then magnanimously "frees" them as a gift to Western civilization.

You, sir, are a foul reminder that there is no such thing as intelligent design.

Rick R, Houston, Texas

I don't understand....why did the Iranians then take the Brits hostage in the first place? Clearly the soldiers were in Iraqi territorial waters, but even if they were not, wouldn't the humane thing to do would be to send them away with a warning? Interesting that many of our clergy are now doing the bidding for terrorist states.

Steve, Portland, USA

"This is Easter week when Jesus forgave his enemies on the cross. It is time we all look to Jesus' example and love each other." MR HUSSEIN..Why don't YOU apply this good intention to the Koran, that to a lot of people is the true
Weapon of Mass Destruction.

The Iraninan government captured the British soldiers illegally. Taking western hostages and beheading them is something muslims know how to do well.

islamofascism is global, dallas, USA

When the CoE merges into the Catholic Church there will be need to neutralise these elements.

Roberto, London ,

Bishop Nazir Ali?? Was this man a muslim?

"Once a muslim...always a muslim"

Londonistan, dallas, USA

Who is he kidding??? The release of the HOSTAGES was a purely motive-based act. PROPAGANDA to evoke a public opinion/response. Not out of love, compassion, or anything of the sort. Seriously! Politics, my friend!

DW, Atlanta, Georgia / USA

Excuse me, but have not a couple od british soldiers been killed just as the ones held captives were released? Are you stupid or what, dont you understand this is the way it goes for the muslim mind? Always playing tricks and treating their enemies as if they were fools.The soldiers were released, yes, at the expense of some others being killed.

angel, BILBAO, SPAIN

Another fine example of why the clergy should stay out of the political areana.

Normally when the Bishop of Rochester puts a toe in murky political waters he tends to makes very clear and sensible observation unlike his counter part at York.

Regrettably on this occassion he too has misjudged the situation and the mood abroad in the country.

Jimmy, York, England

Bishop Ali is a disgrace. No wonder nobody goes to Church anymore.

James, Altrincham, UK

Perhaps the bishop might remember what happens to Muslims in Iran (and elsewhere) who leave Islam and become Christians. Is he so keen on the "moral and spiritual values" that justify a death sentence for this "crime"?

David Bannen, Oxford, UK

Is the Bishop of Rochester really that naive? I'm speechless!

Viv, London, England

So we're thanking the person that started the crisis in the first place! Sounds like something out of Monty Python.

Chuck, Gahanna, Ohio, USA

The Holy See has an Ambassador at their Embassy in Teheran who would have made a request to Ali Kamenai to free the sailors,who then allowed Ahmadinejad to make the announcement.After almost thirty years in power they are getting the gist of what diplomacy is!somewhat.

olivebranch, brighton.Sussex, uk

I find it interesting that a bishop would offer words favorable to a Iranian leader who was present when our embassy was taken hostage during the Carter presidency. When you add all the other terrorist acts of Iran, it does make one wonder just who this bishop is for. The sailor's release was strictly propaganda.

Danny Von Kanel, Franklinton, Louisiana

Why should anyone be surprised at this ridiculous statement? Britain is already a Muslim nation as the Islamic Caliphate and British government gradually merge. I suggest that rational Brits start applying for US Citizenship early. Come to a country that people are still willing to fight for.

Killshot, St Paul, USA, Minnesota

I am sure the good Bishop would enjoy life in Iran. Let us pay his ticket and he can insult our soldiers from there. I am sure he will also be very free to practise his religion there.

Robert Harper, Ayr, UK, UK

President Ahmadinejad's "pardoning" of the captured servicemen and woman brought to my mind the scene in "Schindler's List" where Liam Neeson teaches Ralph Fiennes that power can come through showing mercy. The sadistic Fiennes quickly realises that this will only work for him if the prisoners do not come to expect to be pardoned as a matter of course. I think I will wait until the Iranian President renounces the recent Holocaust denial conference held in his country and accepts the freedom of Jews to govern themselves before imagining that he has turned over a new leaf. Stopping the supply of weapons to terrorists in Iraq would help a lot too.

Kevin, London,

I as a Christian am delighted to read Bishop Nazir-Ali's appreciation of the professed attitude of the Iranian president and his authorities who released the naval persons who were being held as prisoners. Sometimes, just sometimes, leaders do act generously. They take a chance, hoping for a better situation to develop. I wish our govt authorities had responded publicly thanking the Iranians for taking the opportunity to ease the stand-off at this time which is variously important for the 3 major monotheistic religions.

I am grateful for the chance to express my support for Bishop Michael's stance.

Mary Wood, Gloucestershire, England

The problem with John Sentamu's baptism is that the 20 will not be submerged long enough.

ron, topsham,

I as a Muslim would like to thank His Emenience Bishop Ali for expressing his appreciation of muslim faith and of Iranian good will geature. Iranian leader suddenly changed his mind and forgave the British Navy personel. The Pope had asked Iranian President to pardon the Soldiers on the Holy Week of Easter. Iran in trying to establish good relationship with teh Christians world, accepted Pope's request and released the sailors. I think this was good move of Iran. It will surely go a long way to improve Muslim-Christian relations that have suffered a set back in last few years. I think Chursh of England leaders shold take this oppertunity to make friends with Iranian religious clerics. Perhaps a visit to Iran would be very productive to all sides. This is Easter week when Jesus forgave his enemies on the cross. It is time we all look to Jesus' example and love each other.

Z Hussain, Rochdale, UK

It would seem that Nazir-Ali lacks any understanding of international politics. To interpret the reasons behind President Ahmadinejad’s statement in such a narrow way is extremely worrying for someone who is a religious leader. It shows a marked deficit in his appreciation of the various factors which are currently interplaying both in Iran and the broader Middle East.

Simon, Sale, Manchester

Yes, though it seems Nazir-Ali would support a merger between Church and State. Ahmedinejad's press conference sounded like something from the twelfth century. Thank G-d out foreign policy isn't guided by religious texts.

Michael Amior, London,

"Nazir-Ali despises the people whose taxes give him a cosy lifestyle"

How American...The Church of England gets NO taxpayer funds and is not subsidised like Churches in the USA

Voyager, Leeds, England

I'm simply dumbfounded and depressed that a person with a position of such responsibility could be so detached from the facts and interpret the situation so naively....

Tim, Harrogate , UK

And this fellow is the successor to John Fisher? Fisher prayed for the King who martyred him; Nazir-Ali despises the people whose taxes give him a cosy lifestyle

Mack Hall, Kirbyville, Texas