Welsh Muslims met Christians in Bangor as they emerged from their Sunday service to express their sympathy following the horrific Easter bombings on churches in Sri Lanka last week. 

Muslims gathered outside Bangor Cathedral as the morning service was taking place in order to greet worshippers as they left the building. 

Ayad Mawla, of the Bangor Islamic Centre, organised the symbolic gesture as a way of standing in solidarity with Christians against terrorist attacks on religious buildings.

Earlier in the week, he reached out to the Dean of Bangor to condemn the "abhorrent events" last Easter Sunday when suicide bombers attacked churches and luxury hotels, killing 253 people. 

The Bishop of Bangor, Andy John, welcomed the "gracious gesture" from the town's Islamic community.

He said, "We are all conscious that there are forces which seek to set people against each other and to create a climate of fear and suspicion.

"This gracious gesture by our Muslim friends shows we can overcome hatred and violence and I'm delighted the Cathedral in Bangor will host this meeting of solidarity.

"It builds on the excellent relationships we have established together between Cathedral and the Islamic community."

Open Doors is asking Christians to pray for the church in Sri Lanka following the attacks and has produced a prayer guide to be used in connection with the country. 

Open Doors UK and Ireland CEO, Henrietta Blyth, said: "Enough is enough. It is time the world woke up to the fact that persecution is happening every day. Everyone, no matter what their faith, should be free to worship without fear."

The organisation's partners in Sri Lanka have been visiting people directly affected by the bombings and are asking for prayers of comfort and healing.  

"Please pray for all the people who were affected by this. Many are injured or grieving the loss of loved ones. Pray for strength and comfort and for His healing hand upon them," said one partner who cannot be named for security reasons.

The charity is also asking people to send messages of encouragement to Christians in Batticaloa, Kochchikade and Katana where the churches were targeted by the terrorists.

Messages can be emailed to: messagestosrilanka@opendoorsuk.org or posted to the Open Doors Facebook page.