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Leaders of the six main Christian churches in Liverpool have released a joint statement condemning homophobia in the city.

The message, released on the eve of a vigil earlier this month, affirmed their commitment to stamping out anti-gay violence.

Last year, gay teenager Michael Causer was killed in the city. Despite witness evidence that his assailants had shouted homophobic abuse, a judge ruled the attack was not motivated by homophobia.

Gay trainee policeman James Parkes was severely injured in an attack last month, while a 19-year-old student told the Liverpool Echo on Friday that he had been attacked by young boys last week.

The statement came from the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, United Reformed, Baptist and Society of Friends (Quakers) churches.

It said: "The church leaders condemn this latest homophobic attack and extend their sympathy to James Parkes' family.

"We are concerned by the number of homophobic incidents on Merseyside.

"The leaders of the churches in Liverpool believe it is wrong for anyone in the community of which we are all part to be victimised, or threatened with victimisation, on account of their race, creed, colour or sexual orientation.

"We affirm our commitment to work with others to build a community where all can have their place of belonging, feel welcome and live in safety.

"As church leaders, we represent a rich variety of Christian traditions, with different perspectives on some issues, but we stand together in condemning the use of violence and other forms of intimidation against minority groups who are especially vulnerable.

"The city of Liverpool has a long tradition of welcoming people of difference. In the past we have discovered, sometimes painfully, the importance of learning to live peacefully together. This lesson we must never forget."

The statement was apparently not covered by local media at the time of the vigil and was not released to PinkNews.co.uk until today.

In an email to local councillor Steve Radford, Liverpool Bishop James Jones said he regretted it had not been publicised.

Radford, who is gay, told PinkNews.co.uk the statement was "groundbreaking" and "a real breakthrough".