A Bradford church attacked by a baying mob is to throw open its doors to football fans tomorrow so the community can join in and watch the World Cup final.
St Philip's Church in Thorn Street, Girlington, will have the final between Brazil and Germany beamed to a big screen for all the community to see together.
The event has been organised by the vicar, the Reverend Tony Tooby, after he was approached by Detective Sergeant Raham Khan.
Det Sgt Khan investigated an attack on the church in November last year in which Mr Tooby was chased from his church by a gang of thugs hurling stones and chanting racist abuse.
"We think this is a great way to bring people in the community together," said Mr Tooby. "We are not looking back at the attack on the church, but looking forward and building relationships for the future."
Det Sgt Khan, who now works for West Yorkshire Police's Diversity Unit, said he hoped people would get into the community spirit and go to the church for the football final.
"Many people have been gripped by the ups and downs of the World Cup and we hope the community will come together to watch the final at the church this Sunday," he said.
Refreshments have also been organised by Det Sgt Khan for the football which kicks off at noon.
The Rev Tooby welcomed all the community to the church with open arms. "The church is always open to people from all faiths and we hope people will come together with the common goal of football and build new relationships," he said.
Mr Tooby also revealed that despite them beating England, he would be praying for Brazil to win the match.
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