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Sharia law row: Archbishop is in shock as he faces demands to quit and criticism from Lord Carey
Last updated at 22:52pm on 09.02.08
Under fire: Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams
Lord George Carey, Dr Williams' predecessor, criticised his comments on sharia law and said that accepting the Islamic code would be a disaster for Britain.
Other leading bishops publicly contradicted Dr Rowan Williams's call for Islamic law to be brought into the British legal system.
With the Church of England plunged into crisis, senior figures were said to be discussing the archbishop's future.
One member of the church's "Cabinet", the Archbishop's Council, was reported as saying: "There have been a lot of calls for him to resign. I don't suppose he will take any notice, but, yes, he should resign."
Officials at Lambeth Palace told the BBC Dr Williams was in a "state of shock" and "completely overwhelmed" by the scale of the row.
It was said that he could not believe the fury of the reaction. The most damaging attack came from the Pakistan-born Bishop of Rochester, the Right Reverend Michael Nazir-Ali.
He said it would be "simply impossible" to bring sharia law into British law "without fundamentally affecting its integrity".
Sharia "would be in tension with the English legal tradition on questions like monogamy, provisions for divorce, the rights of women, custody of children, laws of inheritance and of evidence.
"This is not to mention the relation of freedom of belief and of expression to provisions for blasphemy and apostasy."
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The church's second most senior leader, Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu, refused to discuss the matter. But he has said sharia law "would never happen" in Britain.
Politicians joined the chorus of condemnation, with Downing Street saying British law should be based on British values. Tory and LibDem leaders also voiced strong criticism.
Even prominent Muslims were rounding on Dr Williams. Shahid Malik, Labour MP for Dewsbury, said: "I haven't experienced any clamour or fervent desire for sharia law in this country.
"If there are people who prefer sharia law there are always countries where they could go and live."
Khalid Mahmood, Labour MP for Birmingham Perry Bar, rejected the idea that British law forces Muslims to choose between their religion and their society.
He said: "This will alienate people from other communities because they will think it is what Muslims want - and it is not."
The Muslim Council of Britain came to Dr Williams's aid, however, describing his comments in a lecture to lawyers and a BBC interview as "thoughtful".
But Oxford University Islamic scholar Professor Tariq Ramadan admitted: "These kinds of statements just feed the fears of fellow citizens. I really think we, as Muslims, need to come up with something that we abide by the common law and within these latitudes there are possibilities for us to be faithful to Islamic principles."
The archbishop is likely to come under heavy fire next week at a meeting of the Church's General Synod.
Liberal and feminist critics have been appalled by the thought of sharia law while evangelical opponents believe Dr Williams has failed to defend Christianity.
The archbishop was already battling intractable difficulties within the church over gay rights, a row which began nearly five years ago and has brought him criticism from all sides. Later this year he has to face a conference of hundreds of bishops from around the world which threatens further bitter division.
Dr Williams's opponents on the conservative evangelical wing - who resent his liberal beliefs on issues such as gay rights - were suggesting last night that the archbishop is finished.
The Reverend Paul Dawson of the Reform group of around 500 clergy said: "We are very sad that he does not seem to be able to articulate a clear Christian vision for Britain. It is true to say that there is a lot of dissatisfaction."
Dr Williams defended himself in a Lambeth Palace statement saying he had been trying to "tease out" the issue.
The archbishop had said it could help build a better and more cohesive society if Muslims were able to choose to have marital disputes or financial matters, for example, dealt with in a sharia court. The adoption of some elements of sharia law "seems unavoidable".
But the statement insisted: "The archbishop made no proposals for sharia, and certainly did not call for its introduction as some kind of parallel jurisdiction to the civil law."
Even fellow bishops, however, think this is precisely what Dr Williams did say.
Bishop of Southwark Tom Butler, a liberal who would normally be expected to defend Dr Williams, said the archbishop had been entering a minefield and added: "It will take a great deal of thought and work before I think it is a good idea."
He was more blunt in a circular to clergy in his diocese, saying he had yet to be convinced of the feasibility of incorporating any non-Christian religious law into the English legal system.
Reader views (40)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
Further, I would like to point out that not only does the criminal code of Shariah place strict penalties on those convicted of rape and murder, it also places a higher standard of proof and evidence on the prosecution; such a high standard and burden of proof could ensure that convicted felons like Sean Hodgson are not imrpisoned for life wrongly for crimes which they did not commit.
I implore my fellow citizens of the State not to allow isolated incidences and the misinterpretation and misapplication of Islamic principles in the wrong manner to prevent you from understanding and appreciating the justice and peace that Islam sanctifies which should be manifested in every legal system. Justice and peace should be the pillar of every society and Islam is perfect in codifying this. However, the actions of misguided individuals and groups that claim to follow Islam and Shariah should not be taken at face value and should not be used to depict an inaccurate reflection of what Islam and the Shariah law encompasses or is based upon.
- Mohammed Kashem, North Kensington (London), England
Everyone should have the freedom, sanctified by the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, to choose their religion and should be allowed to comply with their faith to the fullest extent possible.
This does not mean that people should be allowed to be above the law nor exempt from it. There are principles which must be adhered to; as Muslims living in Britain, we are under an obligation to pay our dues to the State for the ultimate benefit of society in the way of taxes, we are required to respect the laws and customs of the society we live in to the extent that they do not infringe or prevent us from worshipping God in the form prescribed on us.
There is a difference between Shariah law and the Common Law of England and Wales but that does not mean that there is a need for any conflict between the two forms of jurisdictions.
Those who claim that Shariah would be a disaster to the Common Law should perhaps seek to understand the foundations of Shariah and that it seeks to provide justice for all, in a fair manner.
Under Shariah, interest (usury) is forbidden. This does not mean you can't propser economically, but you should not seek to prosper from placing extortionate demands on your debtors. The criminal code of Shariah has been much criticised but it does not form a major aspect of the law; infact, considering the abundance of rapists and murderers in London in particular,Shariah may be better suited to prevent such crimes occuring.
- Mohammed Kashem, North Kensington (London), England
Shariah law is extremely harmful to economic prosperity of those of those who try to adhere to it. In countries with immense oil wealth, trying to follow any of the four schools of Shariah law keeps the majority of the people from enjoying prosperity. Muslim customs and attitudes add to the economic disadvantages. For information read the book by C. Fuller "The Muslim Economic Trap" published by Beaver's Pond Press, Minneapolis, USA, 2008.
- Carol Fuller, Minneapolis, USA
Is it too much to expect Dr. Rowan Williams to be a reconciler and to follow the example of Jesus Christ instead of a traditional Christian approach? The love to his neighbors that the Archbishop of Canterbury is displaying makes him a true follower of Jesus and most qualified to lead faithful.
What the world need is more reconcilers that try to build bridges instead of arrogant fanatics that believe to have the whole Truth.
- Safi Kaskas, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
This guy should be a politician, coming out with idiotic statements like this he would fit in well!
- P.Whitehead, England
I've lived in Britain for some time. Proposing Sharia Law in Britain is in my book just as unbritish as it can be. How an Archbishop, who should stand for Christianity and its traditions, can come up with this just beats me.
- Christian Neubert, Bochum, Germany
The Archbishop of Canterbury is not fit to hold that post and should be dismissed immediately, without the prerogative of resigning.
The Sharia Laws are based on the teachings of a 3rd Century Leader, and have never been amended since whereas the Laws of the rest of the World have evolved over Centuries and have been adapted to suit the conditions and understanding prevailing at any point in History.
I have lived for many years in Islamic Countries most of whom use the modern laws, and methods of administration of those Laws devised in modern courts with Judges, and often juries also.
Even within the the World of Islam there is controversy over the application of Sharia Laws, and it is only the fundamentalists that insist on their use - The Archbishop of Canterbury is Playing into their hands.
- Michael Francis Tily, Hull England
I would very much like to know what the archbishop actually said.
I wonder if he has an advisor shrewd in the ways of the press, who could see the possibility problems like this arising. Those of us with less sophisticated intellects can be exposed to very real worry about what today's leaders
are allowing to happen to our country.
- Beryl Hougton, Macclesfield England
There is nothing wrong with people settling their own disputes in religious courts, providing they are willing to accept the rulings and those rulings are not contrary to our own laws.
It is simply a method of alternative dispute resolution which takes place within their own community.
- Roger, London, UK
This is excellent news.
- Mike, Romford, UK
This is a sad day for Britain. This man (Williams) should resign.
- Pauline, North Carolina, USA
It's against my religion to pay tax - do you think the Government will let me off?
- Rob, London
He swears allegence to God, Queen and country.If people live in Great Britain then they should obey one law and one law only BRITISH
- A Tucker, glasgow south
I think the Queen, as defender of the faith, should remove that man from his position.
- John, Ohio USA
WHO WILL RID US OF THIS TURBULENT PRIEST? I'm not sure which planet the Archbishop is from, but I wish he would go back there. What utter nonesense he talks - can he not be sacked or retired - he is surely not all there.
- Stephen, London
I wish I were surprised at his suggestion, but alas, I'm not. He is so far gone that it isn't any wonder his church is empty. Perhaps he ought to investigate this wonderful cultural phenomenon of Sharia law before he let's fly with another embarrassing utterance.
- Nick, Peterborough, UK
I did not realise that Jewish people living here could choose to abide by a separate law. Why is this the case? The law should relate to the country you live in, and not the religion of individuals/groups, otherwise there will be complete chaos. Maybe I will decide to live by Jedi law...
- Angela, England
There is no strictly static codified set of laws of sharia. Sharia is more of a system of how law ought to serve humanity, a consensus of the unified spirit. Then we should have courts that allow christians to be tried under Christian ideas of right and wrong? Of course not as we think thats just as stupid, and we have developed well beyond the dark ages! Honestly religious folk need to keep out of state business!
- Philip S., London
Dr Williams said Orthodox Jewish courts already operated in the UK, and anti-abortion views of Catholics and other Christians were "accommodated within the law". I don't know about jewish courts (could someone explain that) but where are anti-abortion views of christians accommodated within British Law?
How could a country/state possibly run properly if everyone decided that they were only going to live and work under a law applicable only to their religion and or ethnic background?
Even though I am a christian would I be able to use some of sharia law if I wanted to and vice versa?
- Peter Sparkling, London, UK
Dr. Williams would make a great running mate with Sen. Obama or Hillary in our upcoming presidential election.
- John Carey, philadelphia,usa
Why not having multiple laws for each religion, cult or interest group so as not to offend anyone?
- John, London, UK
That we are all equal is is one of the central tenets of Christianity. If Rowan Williams believes that we are not all equal under the law and can pick and choose those that apply to us, then he is not fit to head the Church.
- Dave, Uxbridge, UK
The laws of England & Wales are secular for a reason - to ensure equality for all regardless of race or religion. The aim surely is to build a cohesive society not to further divide the muslim community from the rest of the United Kingdom.
Extremists of all races and religions should be reminded that if they want to live in this country, and I believe that everyone should have the choice of where they want to live, they have to abide by the laws of this country. They can't have it both ways of enjoying the spoils and benefits of this country but insisting on forcing others to abide by draconian, discriminating laws that would never be allowed by the law makers of England & Wales (or European law).
If this is allowed how long before it becomes acceptable to stone/kill a person?
- Andy, London
Rowan Williams confirms my opinion that he is an idiot - reputedly with a 'first class brain' - with almost every public utterance. He must have done more to turn people away from and inflicted more damage on the Church of England than any living soul. His supine, mealy -mouthed utterings about his own Church, what it stands for and its role in society is probably having a catastrophic impact on the morale of the clergy and certainly on his dwindling congregations.
This clown should be championing British society not helping to dismantle it in the face of an assault by an alien culture. This is like the Aztec high priest welcoming the Spanish invasion and the subsequent anihilation of his own society and people.
Many of us don't like many aspects of British law but as part of a society we adhere to them for the sake of the common good. The freedoms we have in this country have been very hard won over a thousand years.
Williams should resign or better be sacked, and replaced by John Sentamu, who although a showman, has got enough guts to resurrect and lead the CoE.
- John, London, UK
It is ridiculous to introduce another set of rules because of religion. You would not be able to go to Iran and do this, so why here? It's yet another example of 'lay down and be trampled on'. Why doesn't anyone start listening to the majority of the people in this country who are totally fed up with all this pandering to a few.
- Kim, Lancing, West Sussex
Words can't summise what I think about this suggestion from this treacherous old man. Not surprised though, considering Christianity's historical degradation of women that the Archbish thinks Sharia law isn't that bad.
- Isabel, Woking, England
If the muslims (or any other foreign denominations) cannot or will not abide by the English law then they should not be living here in the first place. This is our country and we all have to live by the law or pay the penalties. Taking more than one wife is illegal for a start - in England it is known as an offence called "BIGAMY". If you want more than one wife, then go and live in the country where it is legal.
This stupidity that is the UK Government have got to draw the line somewhere - where is it all going to end?? One thing we should all remember is that the last time we mixed politics and religion, people were burned at the stake!!
- Kate, Archway
We already have the equivalent in Jewish civil matters. I'm wondering why so many of us have missed that salient point!
Instinctively I'm for 'one law for all' but the precident has been set I believe.
- Natalia Grant, London, UK
Can you imagine the top mullah in Karachi or Saudi Arabia suggesting that laws of christianity should be appled there ?
- Roy G, Solihull, England
This bearded twit should leave Europe and try and set up a church in Saudi Arabia...
Secular rule for ever.
- Jamie, london
...adoption of Islamic Sharia law in the UK is "unavoidable"
There will be a civil war first!
- Sarah, london
If you look into it its only to do with marriage, divorce and inheritance issues, just like jewish law for jewish issues.
- Zak, London
No it is not inevitable.
If people want to live under Sharia law then there are many delightful countries in the middle east just waiting to welcome them with open arms. If they want to live in Britain then they have to accept that we all live under British law and that they are going to have to as well.
- Casper Slides, Bath, UK
Muslims could also choose to have marital disputes or financial matters dealt with in a Sharia court by moving to a country that already has Sharia law. Perhaps they'd be good enough to take Dr Williams with them and see how far he got before being stoned as an infidel.
- Squiz, Islington
...is he completely mad?
It is scandalous to such nonsense from him and also stabbing his own archbishop of Rochester in the back.
He should call it a day, leave the UK for good and settle in Saudi Arabia.
- Weddigen, London
As a long-standing member of the Church of England I am very disappointed at the Archbishop's remarks. Does he realize that under Sharia law that women can be divorced without their consent by just reciting three words? And that in sharia law women automatically lose the custody of their children once they reach a certain age?
What need to be "better understood" about sharia law? That a woman's testimony is considered half as good as any man's? That a raped virgin can be stoned to death for "immorality"? I don't how someone supposedly as intelligent a Rowan Williams could possibly think that sharia law is some kind of pick-and-mix justice system. The stoning of adulterers, rape victims, children is just as integral to sharia as the cherry-picked positive examples given by Islamic apologists. Or does the Archbishop really think that muslims in the UK are not deserving of the same human rights as the rest of us? What does his wife think, I wonder.
- Sarah N., London
When I heard what Dr Williams had proposed my heart sank. If you live in the UK the law of the land decides all disputes. If he has his way then the UK has plumbed to a new depth.
- Ayliff A Mcnab, Orihuela Costa, Spain
If they are British citizens they must relate to British Law! What next; people who do not relate to British Law need not pay taxes?; etc., etc.?No wonder the CoE is facing empty pews... this pompous man is simply silly.
- Beatriz, London
A chill ran down my spine.
- J. Warwick, Norwich Norfolk
There is one law in this country that should be applied to all: English Law. If Muslims are to be allowed Sharia Law and have that enshrined in English Law then all other minority groups will want to have theirs.
Wake up Rowan Williams, Social cohesion will only happen when people realise that there is one law that must be applied to all.
- Marc, Harrow, Uk
