A REPORT calling on Anglican church leaders to embrace all cultures will be discussed at a meeting in Harrogate this weekend.

Delegates at the diocesan synod, on Saturday at the town's St Aidan's School, will be told many black and ethnic minority Christians in Ripon and Leeds do not always feel welcome within the church community and steps should be taken to increase awareness, education and the sharing of good practice.

The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Right Reverend John Packer, addressed the issues in a sermon at Ripon Cathedral on Sunday.

He said: "This is an area of concern for the church everywhere - many dioceses have done similar audits and my hope is the debate on Saturday will encourage us all to ensure we tackle discrimination and promote racial justice within the church."

The synod, which is open to the public, starts at 9.30am in the Constance Green Chapel.

Other items for discussion include the budget for the church next year and changes as a result of the Disability Discrimination Act.