A NORTH-East professor has launched a new book on peace in the Middle East.

Mary C Grey, from Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, launched The Spirit of Peace: Pentecost and Affliction in the Middle East, in Salisbury today (Friday, March 6).

The book addresses the importance of religion in justifying the current political unrest in the Arab world and promotes Prof Grey’s belief that peace can be achieved through the Christian concept of the Holy Spirit, and that putting faith in God will lead Christians, Jews and Muslims to a new, brighter future.

It also explores the history of religious scripture and how this links to the contemporary political reality in Gaza, Syria and Egypt.

She said: “I felt compelled to write this book by the worsening situation in the Middle East following my recent experiences in Israel, Palestine and Egypt, and developing friendships with Middle Eastern Christians.

“In the book I explore the hope that peace might become a reality in the lands we call ‘holy’ through the intervention of God’s Spirit.”

The Spirit of Peace, published by Sacristy Press, is available now, priced £9.99. Visit sacristy.co.uk