Dr Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, was a special guest at an event at the Lincolnshire Showground that saw thousands gather for four days of debate about Islam. He told the crowds at Living Islam that Muslims have brought back “open, honest and difficult public discussion” as one of their “greatest gifts” to the UK.At the Lincolnshire Showground, Lord Williams talked about British values and Islamic values and how the two are often reported as being at odds with each other.Yet he blamed the media for much of this. “In Birmingham, we have seen a local parish and a mosque combining together to provide family services and youth activities,” Lord Williams said.“It’s really important that we respect and try to understand diversity of conscience and belief and conviction.“These are not just about what makes us British – they’re about what makes us human.”He also criticised some sections of the media for portraying Muslims as “un-British”, and slammed the “illiteracy” about religion among Government figures.Lord Williams said that he believed the most difficult thing facing British Muslims was the media’s emphasis on what made Muslims different.“I think that Lincoln Cathedral is one of the greatest treasures of Western Europe.“I have seen that there’s an academy in Scunthorpe that Muslims and Christians study at, St Lawrence Academy, and it’s a brilliant example of integration between different religions in Lincolnshire.”The event, which was organised by the Islamic Society of Britain, attracted between 4,500 to 5,000 visitors throughout the four days.Shamima Hossain, 44, who had travelled to the event with family from Norwich, said she had enjoyed Lord Williams’ speech.“I think he’s amazing,” she said. “As a Muslim, it’s really pleasing to hear a Christian be so encompassing of all faiths.”