THE BISHOP of Basingstoke has condemned those who organised the recent attacks in Paris saying they don’t represent the true meaning of Islam.

The Rt Rev David Williams has joined the Bishops of Winchester and Southampton, the Rt. Rev Tim Dakin and the Rt. Rev Jonathan Frost denouncing the attacks as “evil” and saying they “undermine community”.

Nearly 130 people died in several attacks across Paris which took place at a rock concert, a football match and several bars across the French capital.

More people died over the following days as armed police were involved in raids across the city as authorities sought to trace those who masterminded the attacks.

Terrorists linked to ISIS (Islamic State In Syria) have claimed they were behind the attacks which left hundreds more injured.

Friday night’s attacks were condemned by world leaders and heads of states.

Bishop David has said that the extremists “do not represent the views of Muslims locally or worldwide”.

He called on all Christians “to seek the truth and to challenge the mistruths, half-truths and outright lies about our Muslim neighbours that are so often pedalled at times such as these”,

He added: “In the wake of wickedness and barbarity, the truth is always one of the first casualties – in this case, the truth about our Muslim neighbours.”

He said: "We have all been stunned by Friday’s tragic events in Paris and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families of the victims and those who survived what was a wicked and horrific act.  

“These attacks were evil. With their actions extremists sought to undermine community and to set communities and generations against each other. We must not let them succeed.

He went on to day: “Our diocese has a long and proud history of pluralism and community diversity. Inevitably, there will be times when we have our differences – but the point is that we overcome these through dialogue and with compassion.

“To this end, we are continuing to work closely with community and faith leaders across Hampshire – as we always have done.

“But we must not ever allow ourselves to take what we have for granted. Jesus calls on us to love one another and we must work to build community wherever we find ourselves – whether in the workplace or in places of rest and relaxation.

“We call on all Christian communities to pray for peace – and to be part of the answer to that prayer”.