British archbishop defiant over Islamic law comments

London: The leader of the world's Anglicans, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, has hit back at his critics amid a furore about his comments on Islamic law that have led to calls for him to quit.

"The archbishop made no proposals for Sharia in either the lecture or the interview, and certainly did not call for its introduction as some kind of parallel jurisdiction to the civil law," a statement on the archbishop's website said.

The remarks were made in a BBC radio interview and a lecture on Thursday. His lecture was a careful exploration of the limits of a "unitary and secular" legal system and how, in an increasingly diverse society, it might be able to accommodate religious claims, the statement added.

"In doing so, the archbishop was not suggesting the introduction of parallel legal jurisdictions but exploring ways in which reasonable accommodation might be made within existing arrangements for religious conscience," it said.

In his interview, Williams said that some provisions of Sharia were already recognised under British law and he noted that orthodox Jews are already allowed to use their own courts to settle some issues based on religious law.

Archbishop Williams, who is now facing calls to resign, said he was simply exploring certain ideas.

Williams had said that the adoption of some parts of Sharia law in Britain seemed "unavoidable".

William's proposal, if adopted, could give British Muslims the option to settle marital disputes or financial issues in a Sharia court.

Colonel Edward Armitstead of the diocese of Bath and Wells said that Williams should resign and work in a university where "he can kick around these sorts of ideas".

Meanwhile, Williams' comments also sparked concern over news that at least 10 Islamic "courts'' are operating in Britain, according to a newspaper report.

Unofficial hearings have dealt with divorces, financial disputes and even a stabbing case where youths were allowed to go free after paying compensation to the victim, The Daily Telegraph reported.

David Pannick QC, a human rights barrister, said that if marital and criminal cases were settled in Sharia courts "it would lead to the breakdown of society, if some groups could just ignore laws that applied to others".

Have your say
Do you agree that the Sharia law, or parts of it, should be applied in Britain? If it is adopted, how do you think it would impact your life?

Everyone is keen to preserve their identity and values. It is unavoidable. Implementing Sharia could improve relationships.
Sayed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 10, 2008, 07:51

I accept the Sharia law in an Islamic state. However, democracy has been built by having equality among all, including same laws. Can you imagine, anyone with lots of money can commit crimes and just pay blood money and move on with life?
Kerry
London,UK
Posted: February 10, 2008, 02:51