THE Archbishop of York says he is praying President Bush makes the right decision on military action over the next few days.

Speaking exclusively to the Evening Press before the consecration of the new church at St Hilda, Tang Hall Lane, he spoke of his concerns for world peace and the need for good judgement by world leaders.

"This is a very distressing for time for us all," said Dr David Hope, who led a memorial service for the New York tragedy the week before.

"I am praying for President Bush and for those who will be making such important decisions over the next few days.

"I pray that any response will be responsible and proportionate."

The Archbishop said that the church was a "natural place" to go at a time of the mourning and many people had taken advantage of facilities such as the chapel set aside at York Minster.

"The sorrow people feel at such a time as this draws them to churches," he told the Evening Press.

"There is no better demonstration that places of worship are truly part of the community."

The Archbishop was speaking a service of consecration and dedication at the new Church of St Hilda, Tang Hall Lane, York.

The new building replaces a 1930's structure which was never completed, partly due to persistent structural problems which eventually led to its replacement.

Dr Hope began work for the new Church on November 3, 2000, when he took the controls of a mechanical digger to start the foundations.

The new St Hilda's Church, designed by local architects Briggs, Potts, Parry & Ives and built by Marsden Homes and Dossors Engineers, is a versatile and attractive building closer to Tang Hall Lane than the previous building.

The vicar, the Reverend Tony Frampton-Morgan, said: "This is a very proud moment for me. The new church will be a strong focal point in the community and it is a super building.

"A consecration is a relatively rare event and it is a great honour to be taking part. We look forward to serving the community here."

Updated: 08:28 Monday, September 24, 2001