THE rector of one of Oxford's largest Anglican churches last night called plans to broadcast the Muslim call to prayer from the city's main mosque "un-English".

Charlie Cleverly, of St Aldate's Church, in a seven-point statement to his congregation, called on the Central Mosque, in Manzil Way, to drop its plans to broadcast the messages.

But Munir Chisti, the Imam at the mosque, said people were entitled to different viewpoints and they did not wish to cause a division in the community.

Mr Cleverly, who has been the rector at St Aldate's for five years, said he welcomed Muslims in Oxford and hoped a local dialogue between the faiths could be established.

However, he said the call to prayer was not "neutral" in its wording and could turn East Oxford into a Muslim ghetto.

He said: "I think it's to do with nuisance noise affecting the inhabitants that have to hear it. I feel it is un-English and very different from a bell.

"When such an area is subject to such a call to prayer, it may force people to move out and encourage Muslim families to move in.

"You do risk creating a kind of ghetto-isation of the city a few years down the line. I hope and pray the Imam will hear the strength of feeling gently and lovingly and change his mind."

Mr Cleverly said he hoped this issue would forge important friendships between the two communities, but he was worried about the content of the calls.

He said: "I think many people who are not Muslims have not got a text of the meaning of the Arabic in the call to prayer.

"I don't think words are neutral and I don't think the people of Oxford necessarily want to hear a call to prayer to Allah in the same way people don't want someone loud in their face asking them to buy coffee.

"There is a world of difference. Bells are just a signal and have been around for 1,500 years. They are a terribly English part of our culture.

"I do not believe in the imposition of another culture on our country."

Before coming to St Aldate's, Mr Cleverley worked at church in a largely Muslim area of Paris.

He said: "There was not a hint or thought for a call to prayer and the Muslims lived and worshipped very happily.

"In that part of Paris, it was unthinkable. I think the French have got it right."

Mr Chisti said: "We do not want to react. Everyone is welcome to think what they want.

"We welcome anybody to have their say. This was a suggestion that has spread like fire and caused a panic in the community - we do not want that to happen."