Tolerance not extremism was the message which came out of a Birmingham-based conference looking at faith and freedom of expression.

The conference, staged by a Muslim organisation and attended by representatives of most of the country's major faiths, was held in response to the controversy surrounding events like the publication of a series of cartoons featuring the prophet Muhammed.

The conference, organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, was held at the Darul Barakaat mosque on Tilton Road, Bordesley Green. Waqar Ahmedi, West Midlands regional co-ordinator for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, said the aim of the event was to promote an open dialogue on freedom of expression and the religious sensitivities which had been stirred over the last 12 months or so.

He said: "We are grateful to be living in a society where freedom of expression can take place.

"But when you come to a point where faith sensitivities are aroused you have to be careful.

"Freedom of expression comes with certain responsibilities."