A CHURCH leader is to tell of the torment of families who have been threatened, traumatised and "driven to the brink of despair and suicide" by racial harassment.

Canon Chris Rich will make an outspoken appeal to churchgoers at Blackburn Cathedral tomorrow to denounce racism on Racial Justice Sunday.

In the sermon he will highlight one Asian family with young children who were threatened with knives and glass bottles and had their windows smashed and car attacked, and another who he says are being "driven to the brink of despair and suicide" through racial harassment.

Canon Rich, who is director for social responsibility for the Blackburn Diocese said: "The whole family has been traumatised. The children's schooling is suffering and the parents are depressed and afraid.

"We don't just need policies, we need to be committed to want to make a difference and actively work against racism. "That we live in a society that is racist is sadly demonstrated daily," he said.

"Racists are not from one ethnic group, a particular faith, gender or generation. The only way we can repent of that sin is to actively work against racism. Injustice and exploitation have no place in God's world. The hurt, pain, anger and brokenness of those who for generations have been marginalised and abused on the grounds of race and colour need to be recognised." He will tell the congregation: "In the society in which we live, we have to face the painful truth that many of our black and Asian sisters and brothers are excluded and marginalised by both individual and institutional racism, present in our society and in our congregations.

"Racism is sin and God is against it. It follows that in our pilgrimage in which we follow God, we too are against it. So, as members of the Church, whether we worship in Brixton, Birmingham, Bradford or Blackburn, in areas populated by people with a range of ethnic groups and traditions, in a congregation set in urban, rural community, the Gospel challenge remains the same."

Canon Rich said he hoped the cathedral's first involvement in Racial Justice Sunday would set an example for the whole diocese year. It well be held each year on the second Sunday in September.

PC Nazir Khan, community safety officer who works for the Police Minorities Team based in Burnley said more racial incidents are now being reported to police as people are no longer afraid to come forward.

He said: "The problem of racism still exists but things haven't got any worse. People are now a lot more confident in reporting incidents to us." and that is why we have had an increase in numbers.

"Years ago people would have thought they could get away with racism but now people are more willing to make complaints."