THE Bishop of Blackburn has called for people to pray for child abusers this Christmas.

The Rt Rev Nicholas Reade was criticised as ‘insensitive’ for his ‘appalling’ comments by the mother of an abuse victim.

And Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said people’s thoughts should be with the victims, adding: “I think the bishop will be on his own on this one”.

The Rt Rev Reade will make the comments in his Christmas Day message in Blackburn Cathedral.

Citing the killers of Baby P as an example of the sort of people Christians should pray for, the bishop will say: “There have been some high-profile stories in recent months of individuals and groups who have defaced God’s image through their abuse and oppression of others.

“We should pray on this great day that those who are abusers, those who cannot find it in their hearts to reflect the love and mercy of God in their lives, may somehow be brought face to face with the baby in the manger.

“For, be sure, the same baby that suffered alongside Baby P, and who now cares for him, is the baby who reveals the truth and grace of God- a God abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness; in the past, today and always.”

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph in defence of his comments, the Bishop said: “One hates the sin but one shows Christian love to the sinner.

“I believe I have to pray for those sinners and I have to do so for some good. I believe that I can bring them to a better way through prayer.”

But the mother of a sex abuse victim said his comments were “appalling”.

She said that the “scumbag” men who attacked her daughter in Blackburn last year would be furthest from her prayers this Christmas.

The woman, who’s daughter’s abusers were caught in the police Keep Them Safe crackdown, said: “People should be thinking of the victims of crime at Christmas and their family and the ones they love.

”Why on earth would someone want to pray for a child abuser?

“I have questioned my faith in the past and it is because of stupid comments like this.

“I certainly won’t be praying for child abusers this Christmas.”

Mr Evans added: “I think people will find it somewhat odd that they are being asked to pray for such evil people.

“There are some people who are so evil and that commit such evil acts that they do not deserve compassion.

“All of our thoughts over Christmas will be with the baby and not the perpetrators of such dastardly acts.

“I think the bishop will be on his own on this one.”

Burnley Council leader Gordon Birtwistle said: “I cannot believe that anyone would pray for a child abuser.

“I am a religious person but I would find it hard to think of anything other than my family or those in need at Christmas time.

“I see where he is coming from but I would not be doing that.”

The Bishop’s remarks follow the conviction of two men at the Old Bailey last month, of ‘causing or allowing’ the death of 17 month-old Baby P in August 2007.

The baby’s mother pleaded guilty when the trial began.