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Archbishop: Muslim women shouldn't wear veils in public
Last updated at 10:11am on 13.11.06
Dr Sentamu: Strong words
One of the Church of England's most senior figures today risks a row with the Muslim community by suggesting that Islamic women should not wear veils in public.
In a wide-ranging interview with the Daily Mail, Dr John Sentamu warns that 'no minority' should impose its beliefs on the rest of society and that the veil causes Muslim women to 'stick out'.
The Archbishop of York - who ranks second in the Church's hierarchy - also says the BBC is biased against Christians because Anglicans don't threaten to 'bomb' the corporation.
And in a strongly-worded analysis of the state of modern Britain, the Uganda-born cleric makes a passionate defence of the Queen, family values and faith schools.
The Archbishop's comments on veils follow Jack Straw's revelation that he asks Muslim women to remove their niqabs before speaking to him at his constituency surgery.
Dr Sentamu said: 'Muslim scholars would say three questions: 1. Does it conform to norms of decency? 2. Does it render you more secure? 3. What kind of Islam are you projecting by wearing it?
'I think in the British context it renders you less secure because you stick out and it brings unwelcome attention. On the first question, I don't think it does.'
His views put him at odds with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams who has said it would be ' politically dangerous' if society did not allow visible signs of faith.
Dr Sentamu goes on to reveal that he removes his cross when he visits Mosques. 'I am going into someone else's home,' he says. 'And I can't simply say: "Take me as I am whether you like it or not".'
His attack on the BBC reflects growing unease over the corporation's pro-Muslim agenda. Dr Sentamu said: 'We get more knocks, they can do to us what they dare not do to the Muslims. We are fair game because they can get away with it. We don't go down there and say we are going to bomb your place. It is not within our nature.'
He also launches a strong defence of faith schools and rejects Government attempts to impose quotas.
Dr Sentamu warns that materialism is destroying family life and urges a return to Victorian family values. 'We have become a society where we all gather round the microwaves, or the television. Even while you are eating, the television is blaring.' He also calls on people to take more pride in Britain. 'When I was in Uganda, everything that was British was best. If you went to a shop to buy a ruler, you looked for one that said "Made in Britain". But now this country disbelieves in itself in an amazing way.'
Launching a defence of the monarchy, he says: 'The Church of England reminds the nation that in this country the Queen is the defender of the faith, the head of the Commonwealth and the head of state.'
The Archbishop also calls for more restraint at Christmas. 'I would suggest this Advent eating less and not spending so much.'
Reader views (13)
As a shop keeper I do not want any people in my shops with covered faces, I will not let anyone in with a motor bike helmet, why should I let someone in with a scarf?
- Baza, AUS
Surely the veil is no more a barrier to communication than a priest sitting in a confesion booth, yet the church seems perfectly happy with that. Additionally the amount of daily communication taking place where both parties don't see each other far exceeds that where people do, yet everyone seems happy enough there. These excuses are none other than thinly disguised prejudice.
- Etano Mbanaga, London
Etano - no one is objecting to headscarves, whether worn by nuns or muslim ladies. Likewise any other form of clothing that leaves the wearer's face visible. Hoods (that some call veils) which completely hide the face are the problem. They prevent one from recognising the wearer, they prevent one from properly conversing with the wearer, they can appear intimidating or even threatening, and it is only a matter of time before they are used as disguise by a criminal or terrorist - after which they'll be banned.
- Nigel, London
Sentamu should concentrate on filling his empty churches before criticising other religious practices.
This man seems to thrive upon the oxygen of publicity, evidenced by his recent stunts - one within the hallowed precincts of York Minster - and his superiors should advise him to pipe down.
- Ted, Shetland
Al-Ameri, I am interested to find out - are you happy with the fact that you no longer wear the veil, or do you wish you still could and be treated the same way? With all this speculation on whether it effects communication, what do you think?
- Rachel, London
I agree with Dr Sentamu. I no longer cover my head or face when at work and about. Since then, my life has been peaceful and devoid of wisecracks from thugs. At home, I am a different woman.
- Al-Ameri, London UK
Would the archbishop feel as happy if senior Muslim figures started commenting on the church in this manner, and on Christian practice?
No minority should impose its values on the majority, but we are in danger of turning from a conservative democracy to an ochlocracy.
- Dan Rosen, Birmingham
At last we have someone in the church who is willing to stick up for the faith, but why does it fall to Dr Sentamu to do what Rowan Williams won't? Dr williams is a man who, as the Archibishop of Canterbury is the spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Church, yet he seems content to make defensive statements for other religions without coming out in a strong defence of christianity. We live in a country where councils send out "seasons greetings" cards and call the christmas break "winterval" so as not to offend other religions, the vast majority of whom aren't in the slightest bit offended by us celebrating our religious holidays, but they give grants for every other religious festival in the calendar without any qualms. Good on Dr Sentamu, we finally have a man who is willing to make an impassioned defence of this countrys national religion. Not before time.
- Neil, Grays, Essex
Why not also say that nuns shouldn't wear their habits in public, or monks their robes. Indeed why not say that Mary, mother of Jesus shouldn't have veiled either.
- Etano Mbanaga, London
That the leaders of the Church feel the need to atack another religion in this way only serves to demonstrate the perssure and attack they themselves are under. The percieved pandering to the Muslim community and bowing to their religious wishes seems disproportionate when compared to the leeway and consideration given to the other major religions.
Perhaps it is time that we started demanding more rights, or at least equal rights, for our religions. I hope there is more to come from this man.
- Stella, Orpington
It appears to be widely accepted now that the wearing of the veil in public is a bad thing. It is a barrier to communication and normal social interaction. I think it's a good thing our religious leaders are speaking up about this issue. These things affect all of us eventually.
- Liz, Dulwich
He is wearing robes and holding a mitre because he is holding Mass. In public he wears a suit.
- John, London, England
Thats a bit rich coming from him; Muslims could just as well retort; Why is the Archbishop wearing robes and a mitre?
- Dhanraj, Basildon, Essex
