IN the fictional county of Midsomer murders happen with alarming frequency. The murder rate is double that of London and yet the programme is one of UK TV’s most successful exports.

It poses an interesting question as whether families in Sweden, Iran and South Korea see it as representative of our country as they watch the storylines unfold.

How is their view of the reality of life in rural England skewed? Do they come on trips looking for evidence of mayhem amongst the potting sheds with just one inspector dealing with so much crime? All distorted for our entertainment.

Our problem is when reality becomes reinterpreted to disastrous effect.

Recent events in Paris have shown how a corrupted form of Islam have left innocents slaughtered. One of the sad results of this is the impact it will have on being a Muslim in France. The shootings in the supermarket have exposed a growing Jewish exodus as people seek a safer place to live. France is weeping in many ways and her pain calls us to respond.

In simple terms we need to promote tolerance. A simple concept yet ignored by so many.

Why do we make such fuss about difference and ignore the benefits of diversity. Why do we never learn?

A contestant expelled from Big Brother for not understanding how offensive the nature is of using certain words is a sad picture of modern Britain.

Now is a time to advocate for understanding in the hope of the precious commodity that is peace.

The Rev Richard Atkinson

Superintendent Minister, Skipton and Grassington Circuit of the Methodist Church