THE Bishop of Blackburn’s decision to organise a 30-person trip to Turkey has provoked accusions of double standards.

Last week the Rt Rev Nicholas Reade said people were ‘damaging God’s planet’ thanks to our ‘indiscriminate’ use of planes.

But now it has emerged that he is arranging a nine-day visit to Turkey so people can visit the site of seven historic churches.

The trip in May next year, will be for spiritual reasons, according to the bishop, following in the footsteps of St Paul, one of early Christianity’s most important figures.

And the bishop has already made a plane journey to Turkey to research the trip.

However critics, including Brian Jackson, of East Lancashire Friends of the Earth, said he should practise what he preaches.

The bishop has justified his actions by saying it is not just any trip or holiday. It is a pilgrimage and a learning experience for those who take part.

Clearly he has put himself in a difficult position given his concerns about flying.

Having put himself in the anti-flying lobby, to lead a mass participation trip to Turkey is questionable at the very least.

Some would say he has heavily damaged his green credentials.