THE Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Reverend David Stancliffe, has welcomed part of the new European constitution, which promises to maintain a regular dialogue with church communities.

And he urged European leaders to consider the example set by religious groups when making decisions.

Speaking in the House of Lords on December 10, the bishop quoted Home Secretary David Blunkett, saying faith could be "the glue" and "building blocks" of a community.

"The glue that holds people together across the boundaries of nation and religion will fundamentally determine the quality of community that the European Union Constitution will offer," he said.

"In the matter of glue - the quality of our relationships - the churches have some experience to offer and a significant pattern of existing relationships across both confessional and faith boundaries in Europe as well as, for example, in Africa.

"It is also important to recognise the way in which the Christian faith builds bridges today and helps to create that community for which we long."

Speaking about life in the churches of Wiltshire and Dorset, the bishop noted how bridges had been built with other faiths in the community and that European leaders could follow that lead if they are to improve togetherness.

"The tapestry of modern multi-cultural Britain is woven with many rich strands," he said.

"If we care for the whole, we must attend to those individual threads. I think people do.

"Hundreds of people, many hundreds, came to the cathedral in Salisbury this Lent to hear a course of lectures entitled Understanding Islam.

"An authority that seeks to listen to the different voices of faith will, I believe, find itself better equipped to build up mutual respect and social cohesion among the people whom it serves."

The bishop also spoke of community links with Latvia and Sudan, saying how two archbishops from different nations had been made canons of Salisbury Cathedral together.

"I have been able to introduce them and their stories to one another," he said.

"Much to their surprise, each has discovered that the other's faith was formed in a time of persecution and, as they exchange those quite different histories, they realise that their experience of emerging into the light of day - and a new light is not unique.

"The faith communities, I suggest, can indeed help to explain the world to those who seek to govern it," the bishop said.

Article 51 of the new constitution says it will maintain "open, transparent and regular dialogue with the churches and non-confessional organisations".