I am very sorry and ashamed to hear of some sick-minded people in this country who have threatened and abused Muslims. I believe that the vast majority of the British people, as in any country, are in their hearts decent, tolerant and fair-minded. It is always a tiny minority in any community that tries to sow hatred for their own evil ends.

I live in a very mixed, multi-ethnic area of East London (Ilford). In my street, which I love, there live Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs in great harmony, side by side. We have something very precious which must be defended.

A Muslim neighbour the other day told my wife and I of her fears and I reassured her by saying that if she or any member of her family felt in danger they only had to come to our house and we would look after them -as I know they would do for us if we were in that situation.

I would like to see people of faiths standing together - I mean literally - to protect each other and to be seen to do so when any one of their number is threatened.

>As an "ethnic" minority member myself (Polish)I can understand some of your problems. I am sorry to hear that some muslims are being victimised because of the New York bombing. As a "catholic" I was not held resposible for the IRA incidents. I am ashamed that in the past I have held some "racist" views. If I see or hear anyone being victimised in the future I will now try to help to stop this.. We all pray to the same God we just choose to do it in different ways. Luckily in our community in Huddersfield we have very little racial tension and most of us live in harmony with our neighbours. We must not let the "lunatics on iether side spoil this.

Innocent people have ALREADY suffered as a consequence of Islamic terrorism. Military action is the only real answer. The MCB should NOT be attempting to pervert the course of justice by advocating non-military intervention unless the MCB is able to deliver the perpetrators of violence in America to legal trial.

How can you justify the attacks on the USA ?? I live in Blackburn, Lancashire and have personally overheard muslim people celebrating the attacks on the world trade centre, is this a religious following as it really is frightening and could even lead to a civil war. These Muslims live 3 doors away from me and my family, I work 45 hours a week and my husband works 60, even now we struggle constantly to make ends meet.

My Muslim neighbours however do not work at all, but they still live in a house much the same as mine and have 4 children (I have none) and drive a much better car than myself ...... you tell me how this is possible ? And then to hear them celebrate the terrorist attacks in the USA is unacceptable, how can you promote peace in this kind of situation.

I am a patient and kind person but I must admit that my temper is wearing thin with these people and although it shouldn't, my support of the Muslim people is wearing thin.

I even had a Muslim say to me today that they hated England .... but it seems they are happy to take the benefits of this country and claim to be British, but flee when this country who has supported them 100% needs their help. I apologise for my tone in this e mail, but frustration is a factor. Regards to you,

I would like to apologise on behalf those who've been sending hatemail to the MCB. Please believe me when I tell you that these people are in the minority, and their views are in no way representative of the feelings of non-Muslims. I am saddened and deeply ashamed of their behaviour. The root of the problem, I think, lies in the ridiculous and highly offensive media (mis)representation of Islam in the UK recently. People who are able to think for themselves, do so. Others let the Daily Mail or the London Evening Standard do their thinking for them, resulting, amongst other things, in the barely-literate vitriol which you have had to suffer recently.

Hatred, ignorance and intolerance is a cancer in our society. Humanity would do well to remember at this time that it's easy to hate, but infinitely more difficult to understand.

If there is anything I can do to help, at this difficult time, please let me know.