Getty Priests conduct a mass in honour of Father Hamel who was murdered

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They are calling on all Muslims to embrace a "fraternal" greeting and to embrace the church, as shockwaves continue to be felt over the heinous murder of an 84-year-old priest in Normandy last week. Father Jacques Hamel had his throat cut on the altar while he was conducting morning mass in the village of Rouen on Tuesday morning. One member of the congregation was injured after two 19-year-old teenagers took hostages including two nuns. Muslims in the local community of Rouen have reacted with anger after Adel Kermiche and Abdelmalik Petitjean were shot dead following the attack.

They have refused to give the men a Muslim burial because they do not want to "taint" Islam. Mohammed Karabila, imam of one of the town's mosques, told Le Parisien: "We're not going to taint Islam with this person." Now the Catholic church in Paris is calling for peace and has invited Muslims to join in on prayers.

Getty A woman prays during Mass in Normandy this morning

Leaders and faithful Muslims are invited to visit the churches that are close to them The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Paris

Their announcement states: "Leaders and faithful Muslims are invited to visit the churches that are close to them on the occasion of the Mass this Sunday. "Parishes are invited to organize a fraternal greeting people at the entrance of the churches throughout the Sunday Masses. "They will welcome the Muslim people who want to come forward and accompany those who wish to attend the mass. "It will allow parishioners and local communities of Muslims to build links and is encouraged to promote brotherhood and dialogue as opposed to the hate and division business conducted by terrorists. "Christ is our peace. " Two of the nuns who were held hostage revealed the men who killed Father Hamal were smiling as they committed the murder. Both murderers were shot dead by police as they ran from the church shouting “Allahu Akbar”. Earlier this week British church leaders were warned to review their security measures.

GETTY People look on as they attend a Mass in tribute to priest Jacques Hamel in the Rouen Cathedral

Reports suggest many churches are taking up the offer of help improving defence of the buildings in light of the threat. Metropolitan Police Service Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said: “Following recent events in France, we are reiterating our protective security advice to Christian places of worship and have circulated specific advice today. "We are also taking this opportunity to remind them to review their security arrangements as a precaution. “This is part of our ongoing work with faith organisations, as well as other sectors, to help ensure the safety and security of their staff, visitors and members.”

GETTY People have taken to the streets of Paris to protest at Father Hamel's death