Manufacturer to take off references to New Testament passages on kit used by British, US and New Zealand troops in Afghanistan

A US arms manufacturer has agreed to remove coded biblical messages stamped into gun sights used by British, US and New Zealand troops in Afghanistan.

The company, Trijicon, said today it would remove the references to New Testament passages, after New Zealand military chiefs objected to their presence and the US military vowed to review the procurement.

The markings, which blend into the serial number and other product information stamped into the metal, include JN8:12, an apparent reference to John 8:12. The verse reads: "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

Trijicon, founded by a devoutly Christian South African has acknowledged that the markings refer to biblical passages.

But the existence of explicitly Christian messages stamped on military kit used in a Muslim country risks raising tensions and fears that Nato and other western countries are engaging in a religious crusade. Furthermore, thousands of Muslims, Jews and agnostics serve in the US military, which prohibits proselytising by its members.

In a statement released today, the company said it would provide free kits to remove the messages.

The US military had pledged to review the purchase, although one military official was unperturbed, likening the citation to the "In God We Trust" motto that graces US currency. The UK Ministry of Defence said it was not aware of the message and bought the sights because they were the best available. The Church of England said the messages undermined the military effort.

The New Zealand military is examining ways to remove the messages.

"It's put us in an uncomfortable situation," said Major Kristian Dunne. "We can see how they would cause offence. We are unhappy they didn't make us aware of it. They didn't violate any policy but we consider them inappropriate. It also could be used against us by other religions."

New Zealand has about 220 troops in the international security assistance force in Afghanistan, mostly in the region surrounding Bamyan.