CHRISTIANS in Western societies who feel persecuted because of their faith should "grow up", according to the former archbishop of Canterbury.

Dr Rowan Williams said people of faith in Britain and the US who complained of persecution made him feel very uneasy when contrasted with those facing murderous hostility in other parts of the world. Those who have had contact with real persecuted minorities learn to use the word very chastely, he told an audience at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Earlier this year, Lord Carey, another former archbishop of Canterbury, criticised Prime Minister David Cameron for "feeding" the anxieties of Christians.