Head of Kirk backs Williams over Sharia row

Published on Saturday 9 February 2008 19:11

THE head of the Church of Scotland has come out in support of the Archbishop of Canterbury, describing the public's response to his comments on Sharia law as a "witch-hunt".

The Right Reverend Sheilagh Kesting promised to stand by beleaguered Archbishop Rowan Williams, who was yesterday facing calls for him to resign after claiming the adoption of Islamic creeds in the UK appeared "unavoidable".

Pressure on the Archbishop to stand down grew last night when William's predecessor, Lord George Carey, accused the present leader of the Anglican Church of overstating the case for accommodating Islamic legal codes in the UK, saying it would be "disastrous" for the nation.

But even though he added he could not "share" Williams' view, he too said the Archbishop should not be forced to quit over his controversial remarks.

Yesterday, the outspoken Williams remained silent as he attended a memorial service for a colleague, but his presence at the church in Cambridge brought a mixture of boos and applause from the crowd outside.

However, he has received the support of many people, including leading members of the Muslim faith, who consider his words to be of great foresight.

In Scotland, Kesting has written a letter of support to Williams, stating that she believed his views on Sharia law had been "wilfully misconstrued".

She added: "I am appalled by the way in which the response to your lecture has become a personal witch-hunt calling for your resignation.

"I consider it fortunate that we have a Christian leader in this country who is prepared to initiate deep and thoughtful consideration of sensitive issues and I am alarmed at the way in which your intentions can be wilfully misconstrued."

Lord Carey said he understood the Archbishop had been "horrified" by the adverse reaction to his remarks and the mounting calls for him to go. But, writing in a Sunday newspaper, Carey said: "He has in my opinion overstated the case for accommodating Islamic legal codes.

"His conclusion that Britain will eventually have to concede some place in law for aspects of Sharia is a view I cannot share.

"There can be no exceptions to the laws of our land which have been so painfully honed by the struggle for democracy and human rights.

"His acceptance of some Muslim laws within British law would be disastrous for the nation."

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Sharia law is being used by Scottish Muslims to settle disputes ranging from divorce and wills to arguments over property.

Informal Sharia courts are convened on an ad hoc basis to hand down judgments, but Muslim leaders insist the practice is used by a minority and in no way undermines the British legal system.

Last night, Bashir Maan, the convenor of the Muslim Council of Scotland, said he believed that Sharia law could happily co-exist alongside the existing British legal system.

He continued: "It is only those who are allergic to Islam who are creating all this fuss about the very thought-provoking and indeed very welcome remarks of the Archbishop."