The Bishop of Rochester, Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, is under police protection
after he and his family received death threats over his claim that parts of
Britain had become “no-go areas” for non-Muslims.
The Bishop is also facing anger from the most senior members of the Church of
England hierarchy for his comments on Islam.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has made Islam a priority of
his archiepiscopate and set up a Muslim-Christian forum to promote relations
between the faiths in 2006. One senior cleric told The Times yesterday: “The
Bishop of Rochester is in effect threatening to undo everything we have
done.”
The cleric said that some congregations in cities such as Leicester, where
interfaith work was a priority, were increasingly wary of donating money
towards this work. Church leaders in towns with a large Muslim population
were anxious that relations with their neighbours were being undermined.
Dr Nazir-Ali was in India when staff at his home in Rochester took a number of
phone calls threatening his family and warning him that he would not “live
long” if he continued to criticise Islam. He has been given an emergency
number at Kent Police, along with other undisclosed protection measures, and
said that the threats were being taken “seriously”.
Speaking to The Times, Dr Nazir-Ali, who is on the conservative evangelical
wing of the Church and is Britain’s only Asian bishop, said: “The irony is
that I had similar threats when I was a bishop in Pakistan, but I never
thought I would have them here. My point in saying what I did was that
Britain had lost its Christian vision, which would have provided the
resources to offer hospitality to others.”
He said that this absence of a Christian vision had led to multiculturalism.
“Everyone agrees that multiculturalism has had disastrous consequences, and
that segregation and extremism have arisen from this.”
The Bishop said in an article in The Sunday Telegraph that Islamic extremists
had created no-go areas across Britain where it was too dangerous for
nonMuslims to enter. He said that people of a different race or faith faced
physical attack if they lived or worked in communities that were dominated
by a strict Muslim ideology.
Dr Nazir-Ali told The Times: “I have had 1,000 letters, and 95 per cent have
been supportive. There is no point in being in denial. We have to face the
consequences.”
The Bishop went further last night with an additional statement posted on his
website. He said: “It has been asked what I meant by ‘no-go’ areas. I would
wish to make it clear that I was not referring, as some have implied, to the
situation which arose in some neighbourhoods in Northern Ireland some years
ago which the authorities felt constrained from entering.”
He said that he was referring to a development reported by bodies such as the
Commission on Integration and Cohesion last year and Trevor Philips,
chairman of the Equality and Human Righjts Commission, more recently. The
Bishop said: “This is the phenomenon that is referred to as ‘parallel
lives’, ‘separated’ or ‘self-contained’ areas or communities.”
He said that Christian workers in some areas were unable to practise the full
range of ministry “either because it is felt to be inadvisable or because of
intimidation by extremist views and actions”. In addition, converts to the
Christian faith found it “difficult or impossible” to live in certain areas.
“This is too widespread a phenomenon to be ignored and deserves proper
discussion and debate,” the Bishop said.
“I repeat what I said in an earlier comment, that I deeply regret any hurt and
do not wish to cause offence to anyone, let alone my Muslim friends, but
unless we diagnose the malaise from which we all suffer we shall not be able
to discover the remedy.” Muslims should only be granted the right to
broadcast a “call to prayer” from a mosque in Oxford if church bells are
allowed to ring out across Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia, Christian
campaigners said yesterday. Eddie Lyle, chief executive of Open Doors, the
missionary agency that serves persecuted Christians, called for
“reciprocity” from Muslim countries. The Rev Charlie Cleverly, Rector of St
Aldate’s in Oxford, said this week that the proposal for an Islamic call to
prayer from a mosque in Oxford should not be approved by the city council.
No churches are allowed to ring their bells in Malaysia during the day time let alone dawn but every morning at 445am, the mosques turn on their loudspeakers full decibels and wake up the whole country for prayers. That is the reality , the Oxford City Council should take into account. Should Oxford be woken up at 0445 daily for prayers to Allah.? Malaysia is islamic , we have no say. The british are the world's most tolerant and fair people. Be proud for that ! Muslims always demand their rights where ever they go in the west but they do not offer the rights to non muslims who live and work in their countries. I was not allowed my bible in Saudi Arabia and Sanaa. Incidentally I am Malaysian born of Chinese origin and I loved living in the U.K for its freedom and democracy to all races of the world.
Peik Wan Oldreive, London, United Kingdom
Michael Nazir-Ali paints a picture of England that I recognised, a decade ago, when undergoing medical training in Birmingham. The self-imposed ghettoes do exist and are gradually expanding, with the only white non-muslims generally being those too old and poor to move out. Instead, they spend their final years in a country they no longer understand. The only other whites would tend to be the occasional wife of an asian muslim (of course, she'll have converted to Islam; perish the thought that he might convert to Christianity). Similarly, in Small Heath, Balsall Heath, Sparkbrook and other similarly blighted areas of east Birmingham, it's not too much fun being black either.
The strange thing is, Birmingham largely has Labour MPs - so why do none claim to recognise this picture?
Paul, London,
"How do you people know that the 'death threats' came from Muslims and not BNP/Hindu extremist members ?
Jayil, "
. We don;t but killing critics has an Islamic pedigree going back to authentic Islam.
The Muslim prophet Mohammad didn't just make death threats .against critics. He had them carried out by his henchmen. (read the sirat and Bukhari hadiths)
. Oh for the good old Muslim 7th century days when tolerance was a dirty word!
Here's some advice from my Lord, the Prince of Peace: Pray for those who persecute you.
Leigh , Wellington, new zealand
Hope there are more like your bishop Nazir in the so called free western world.
John, NY, USA
The Bishop's comments when read in full are 100% sound and Gordon Brown should get out and see what is happening in the nation he considers he is leading
UK is a nation whose traditional behaviour patterns and civilisation has been developed from christian values.
UK is not a multicultural society but a population largely adhering to christian principles, even if not practising christianity, into which we are endeavouring to integrate a small percentage of people adhering to other faiths; in the main successfully. The latest influx of eastern europeans have no problem as it appears many are expanding the number of practising Roman Catholics.
The Church of England and other faith leaders, should get behind Bishop Michael and use their influence to further a warm christian based welcome to all immigrants Indicating by their policy a welcoming, embracing, and tolerant attitude that all should be required to follow if they are to be citizens of this nation.
Ian Bampton, Architect, Ashford,
The biggest 'No Go' area the Mulims have established is not a geographical space on the ground but the mental and verbal ones in which no criticism of Islam is tolerated - and the threat to the bishop exactly proves that point.
What has this country come to when a senior bishop is no longer free to speak his mind
Bigfoot, Colwyn Bay, UK
Thirteen hundred uninterupted years of Islamic invasions of Europe; Muslim occupations of Spain, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo, Croatia; invasions of France and Austria; one million European slaves taken never to be seen again; a million boys taken from the Balkans, converted to Islam and trained for the elite Ottoman Janissary corp; a million Christian Armenians massacred; the loss of Constantinople; and FINALLY, we manage to push Islam out of Europe during WWI. Then, within a few decades, the leftist neo-liberals, uneducated, historically ignorant, worldly-unwise (unlike the Tories with their experience of empire) decide, oh what a grand scheme to open the doors of Europe and let Muslims back in - only this time, why not let them into all countries, specifically the ones they failed to conquer in the past.
There are 3 possible outcomes to the Balkanisation Europe, 1) Totalitariansim to keep the peace. 2)Loss of territory 3) Repatriation.
Hubert, London, England
The "bigots" here are those that think Christianity is equal to Islam. Tolerance is a product of Christianity; oppression is the way of Islam. Have you forgotten Theo van Gogh? or the "mohammed cartoons? I hope that you all wake up to the fact that the UK is (was?) vastly superior to any muslim country before you're stuck living in one.
Isabella, Sacramento, CA
This is particularly interesting as the bishop had Muslim parents (I think). He and Pope Benedict XVI are right and brave to speak out about this.
Ted, Rome, Italy
Very good point Taz, from Manchester, UK.
The Bishop seems very happy and cheerful...considering he's life in under threat. Strange fellow.
jayil, london, uk
There are de facto no go areas in many large European cities. Politicians are doing their electorates no favours by not having the courage to talk about them. But at least the UK has one brave Anglican bishop.
Chrs Gillibrand, Brussels, Belgium
If multiculturalism has failed, where do we go from here. Are the people in the immigrant communities all suddenly going to become brown englishmen? Are they going to return to their countries of origin? Or are we going to have to live with the failure of multiculturalism? Those whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad.
ian, marlborough, wilts
Oh another question....is the bishop a convert to Christianity or how come his name (Nazir Ali) sounds so Muslim to me?
Just wondering...if anyone knows please comment.
Naheed G., London, UK
If every sane person was to ridicule ALL religions then perhaps they would all go away or at least carry on their silly practices behind closed doors. Why should we all have to be affected by a bunch of no-hopers who believe in their ridiculous beliefs whether Muslim or Christian.
George Sign , Nice, France
What else can you expect? All religion is man-made nonsense, and as long as you have those who truly believe this nonsense, then this is to be expected. As Hitchens has stated, "Religion poisons everything." Unless the world wakes up and sees religion for what it truly is, then it will surely kill us.
Adrian Ryan, Donegal, Ireland
Has any stopped to think that the anonymous death threat may not have come from a muslim? Read the correspondence, judge the reaction and then ask "who benefits?"
I have no sympathy for bigots of any colour or creed but, sometimes just pause and think a little.
Tom Sykes, huddersfield, UK
Surely, if Islam is the peaceful tolerant religion it professes to be, the Mullahs must declare Fatwah against those of its followers who have failed to follow its ways, and have openly provoked hostility towards it, otherwise we just might not believe the love peace and light bit!
MA
Mike Asacret, Cambridge, England
muslim reaction is tailored to our inability to promote our own belief and culture governed by so called pc correct fanatics - and democracy itself - allowing these "do-gooders" to demean my past; my present and my future as an englishman; irishman; welshman; scotsman to rule our own island. I'm not singing the praises of the BRITISH in the past in places like India; Africa etc etc etc but I am not about to withdraw into a corner and allow myself to be ashamed into giving up my country. YES, accept we were authoritarian; yes we were dictatorial; but countires like Turkey; South Africa - even the American's (who took over the indigineous American's) actually fought back against the British - and we weren't that successful. All you people criticise us but most of you actually beat us! What we brought was an understanding of science, culture, and a belief that you could be a part of a future that education and understanding could bring. You radical muslims are what we were years ago.
Peter Purdy, Bogis Bossey, Switzwerland
After being unable to produce so much as a single shred of evidence with regards to the existence of so-called no-go zones, the Bishop now conveniently receives death threats allowing him to act the Martyr For Free Speech instead!
Such wonderful timing!
Taz, Manchester, UK,
Ironic, isn't it, that the death threats simply serve to reinforce the message: Islamic fundamentalism has created "no-go areas" in Britain.
David Allen, Solihull, West Midlands
The guy who mentions Enoch Powell has a point as there are people in power (usually behind closed doors) who use these stories to their own ends e.g. propaganda - it gives them more power and voice than they should really have in the running of this country - A place I for one am proud to have been born and live in - I have no issues with other races or religions and don't think of myself as a religious or racist person though I was born in to a 'white catholic family' If a Catholic (or any other) group where trying to ram their views down my throat I would be just as hostile and I have to say that Islam appears to be a restrictive religion and I don't want to have to alter my lifestyle to 'fit in' with it in any way as I do not practice any form of religion and don't feel I'm a bad person because of this.
If you want to live a strict Muslim lifestyle, go to a Muslim country... seems fair enough to me...
Mark, Clapham, London, UK
the problem is religion, humans.... it preaches and breeds intolerance for anyone/ thing other than itself, has for a thousand years and more, always will too. History and the future will unfortunately prove this. As it has.
theweezeldog, Bristol, UK
If you have any doubts read Brother Andrew "Secret Believers" Christians in Islamic states suffer it is true....but Converts to Christianity from Islam are murdered.... they must remain secret or they die terrible deaths...Christian churches in Islamic states are afraid to allow converts to attend their Churches because they will be accused of apostosy and will be targeted......Moslems need our prayers desperately but we must wake up to the real danger of the Islamists - The Bishop knows what he is talking about he has been there....theirs is not a religion but an ideology.
A Sime, Kent
Avril Sime, rochester, kent
I have been told that many churches in England have been sold away to the Muslims who naturally converted them into mosques. The reason for the sale was ''non-attendance' . If that was true, is it not time that the Christians found their way back to the churches once again, before it is too late for the children?
Shankar, Jakarta, Indonesia
Cheers to Bishop Nazir-Ali. If he and other so do not speak out for Christianity, soon there will be only Islam in Britain and in all of western Europe.
Christians and Jews, please wake up before your religions are completely overwhelmed by radical Islam in your own country.
wtrnorman, Naples, Florida
Stop thinking of muslims as a group needing protection. Think instead of how we should react if a group of white South Africans left post-Mandela Africa and sought to establish enclaves of apartheid in the UK. Ignore accusations of "islamophobia;" it is but an ad-hominem attack designed to avoid discussing the real threat that is islamic ideology.
Nick, Rotherham, UK
The Bishop is criticised by senior members of his own church for having suggested that there are significant elements within British Islam who wish harm on the rest of us. Islamists then threaten to kill him. Rather proves his point, doesn't it?
John B, London, UK
Bring back Dictatorships to bring law and order back..........and we'll see where this Islamic sense of courage will disappear. It is our own weak political leadership which has allowed for this 'democratic right' to attack our own country's formal religion. As the Bishop stated, our church bells need to ring in their lands if they want to have their call to prayers.
But this will never happen with the leaders we have.....weak, the lot of them!!!
lionel luthor, NY,
First of all, what i'm going to say is not for those who do not understand that its clash of civilization and hence each of the community is trying to pose other as evil in their country.
In a muslim dominated country, christians are not considered good, They are considered bad because they wear less or they do a lot of missionary work to convert ppl, giving materialistic stuff to call towards spirituality doesn't makes sense or because christians have been involved in too many wars, Wars cause killing of innocents, no matterter if u call it patriotism or whatsoever.
On the other hand Muslims are conservative or fundamentalist, hence they want to restrict themselves and others, which is of course against Democracy, I agree Some times muslims are over reacting and some times, non-muslims are stooping down to very low level in order to hurt muslims sentiments.
What i feel is required in present time for both Christian and Muslims is BE JUDICIOUS w.r.t. urself and others.
syed, West Bengal, India
why are the christian campaigners playing the tit- for tat game. we have democracy in the UK and freedom of religion. just because many muslim countries will not allow churches does not mean that we should not allow the muslim call to prayer.. just hope the campaigners take heed of freedom of religion and stop acting like tyrants in other regimes..
P.s Multiculturalism will only work, if we the people want it to work.
Thanks
B
Hussain, Newcastle upon tyne, UK
The problem is not Islam or Muslims here. The problem is the Bishop himself who seems to have started a reign of hatred in Pakistan and now he continues to do so in Britain. Britain may not be the safest place in the world but its certainly not because of Islam or Muslims.
Usma Yousuf, London, UK
after they kill him what will you all say
paul corrigan, france,
In this degenerate form of Islam, politics and culture are indistinguishable. Certain 'community leaders' are apparently putting their culture on a footing of enmity against the rest of Britain. If this were merely cultural enmity it would be a matter of culture alone. But this is political, too. For politics is the mobilisation force against enemies, and these leaders are leading their individual people to war against us, with the aim of killing and subjugating us.
It only needs our own leaders to recognise this situation, and declare war on them in turn. Such war is inevitable, for there is no way that the traditional liberalism of which we are part, can counter or trade with these muslims. A war has been declared by those who are threatening our bishops and other spokesmen.
Only compromise at the cultural level can put an end to this escalation of enmity and fear. And given that non-Muslims have the traditional right and the greater numbers, the muslim people must give up most.
Dr Jason Powell, Wrexham, Britain
"Enoch Powell warned us and he was castigated now here we are at the gates of hell and blood shed" -- Jas, Alders, UK
Enoch Powell would have wanted to return people of Dr Michael Nazir-Ali's colour back to their own country.
So who would you have supported?
Dr Michael Nazir-Ali or Enoch Powell ?
I await your answer sir.
jayil, london, uk
Wake up Britain! Vote BNP!
Jeff, London, England
Christians in Europe have to wake up to reality & fight back now. Fundamentalist Islam is influencing the western world & how easily each country is giving into it. Brits & all other Europeans who love freedom, better emigrate to the USA, Australia or New Zealand. This is the only option left if they want to avoid living in a Muslim state called Europe. Europe as we know it will not exist 20 years from now. Europe is being allowed to turn Muslim. Just consider the demographics: The number of Muslims in contemporary Europe is estimated to be 50 million. It is expected to double in 20 years. By 2025, one third of all European children will be born to Muslim families. Today Mohammed is already the most popular name for newborn boys in many European countries. Europeans are less & less willing to oppose Islamization thinking it is sometimes better to avoid fighting than run the risk of death. Many Europeans under the age of 75 have never learned to fight for freedom, just enjoying it
D. Izzard, London, england
Ah good old religions, the root of all evil.
Atheist, Bradford, Yorkshire
When in high streets all over, drunken and drugged British people are rolling out of the bars and pubs where they can drink 24-hours a day, when they spew, urinate, engage in sexual acts, and stab and shoot each other in the streets, following their proud British traditions, is the Bishop scared to go to a *Muslim* area? Is he scared of virtue? Of sobriety? Are you all scared that you may not be able to make it from one end of the street to the other unless you can have a quick drink of the alcohol you seem to crave, or stare at the bare flesh of promiscuous young men and women, or pop into the bookies to assuage your gambling fever? Do you fear that regular prayer might be catching? Or is it chastity which is so frightening? Do you fear that your neighbour might greet you? Is that why it's a no-go area? Truly this is a reversal of values. The Bishop is shameless and British thinking long ago died inside a bottle, pickled. Repulsive people, the British.
RW, Islington,
The wonderful thing we have in this country that binds us together is freedom, if the Bishop of Rochester is being lent on by Church heavies not to say what he believes we have a problem.
Derek, London, UK
I think Christianity needs reform. Currently, this religion is divided and a lot in Europe have even left it altogether. Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism, etc. need to link together to form one, unified, Christian religion so that intimidation from the Muslims within our continent halts to a stop.
Oh and about that European constitution...I do not believe in the separation of religion and government. Somebody needs to declare Europe as Christian territory once and for all.
And one more thing, put a big fat cross in the center of the EU flag of stars.
Aleks, Beograd, SRB
This is the difference between Russia and Britian. In Russia, a strong resurgent Orthodox Church has converted over 2 million Muslims to Chirst and continues, even while tolerating the Islamic faith. Muslims outside of western backed Chechen Jihad, are quiet as they know they are surrounded by strong Christians and would never think to pull the things they've pulled in Christless Britian.
Stas, Raleigh, USA
I can't believe this is tolerated - if you want to fanatically support Islam, why do you live in a Muslim country - if you want to live by British law and customs yet still practice the Muslim faith, no problem.
The government is to blame for this - when's the election???
Mark, Clapham, London, UK
The good bishop was right to take a risk and prove the absolute militancy of this religion. The Islamists are waging war in something like 40 nations around the globe, killing Christians and people of other religions. The Christian Religion says love your enemies. The Koran says Convert the unbeliever if he doesn’t behead him. Ayatollah Khomeini said those who say Islam is a peaceful Religion have not read the Koran.
In Polls undertaken by Times and other papers over 60% wanted the destruction of Britain. Up to 10% wanted to participate. Enoch Powell warned us and he was castigated now here we are at the gates of hell and blood shed.
Jas, Alders, UK
You're not alone Dominic Stockford, my experience is exactly the same.
Chris Deal, Cambridge,
Ah , the flying pigs probably our best hope !
gordon lonsdale, Norhampton , uk
Isn't it interesting that every time I send a post on a religious subject it never gets posted - and I'm a bishop of a 'continuing anglican' denomination and we support Nazir-Ali in what he says about these dangers.
Dominic Stockford, Teddington, UK
He is being accused of not being tolerant ?And Muslims show their tolerance - threatening his life ? De facto confirming his and our worst fears ?
Hence : he is right !
and the no go area obviously includes the media then
Riccardo, Milano, Italia
This is one of the reasons that I will, unfortunately, never visit Britain again. The Islamic influence is everywhere, even in some of the hotels which cater to tourists. I have been a victim of rudeness and hostility. No telling what it is like in other areas. Frightening and very sad.
Julia, Marietta, USA
The Religion of Peace, coming soon to a city near you.
jay, reading, uk
For people who think that Muslims are afraid of criticism do not know that the Holy Qur'an openly challenges Muslims and non-Muslims to criticize, or even imitate, any of its verses.
Islam has never prohibited literary of higher criticism of the Qur'an.
Search "The Qur'an itself gives an open challenge" in google and click "cached" on first hit. Cached because someone with an agenda have edited wikipedia...as usual.
Mohammed, London, UK
This remids me when the Pope read out some medaevil poem a year or so ago. The poem critcised Islam for its violent and intollerant attitude. The reaction as always was violence and intollerance with a nun getting herself murdered in Nigeria as a result.
Marc, Harrow, UK
Death threats to Dr Michael Nazir-Ali from our peace loving, Muslim community - surely not!
Yes, our trendy do-gooders will cry "Ah, but it's only a tiny minority" - but until Muslim Clerics proclaim a Fatwa on their communities' murderers I rather believe in Flying Pigs!
Mike Bibby, St Albans, England -not EU
Britain will be an Islamic Republic in 200 years. But the good news is that you can always visit America for a bit of Anglo nostalgia (after you apply for the visa, of course, as the UK will probably be exporting terrorism by then).
Liam, Frankfurt,
When a person from any country in the world comes to live in Britain,it is they who should need to change. It is they who should feel the difference. It is they who should have to learn to live with, and fit in with us. The P.C. and Human rights and civil liberties brigades have united with the legal proffesion to form The Stupid Brigade. It is a bit late now but the government must do something soon to return this country being a nice place to live.It is not race or colour,it is a culture problem.
trevor gould, birmingham, england
QED, I think!
Mike, Lancaster, UK
QED I think!
Mike, Lancaster, UK
What's all the fuss about? He's only saying what every sensible man thinks. The death threats only underscore his words. It's like when Benedict XVI said something about the violence of the Islam. The reaction was telling: extremist muslims burnt churches...
It's like saying: a plumber fixes the fittings and he reacts by indeed fixing the fittings...
Pascal Calu, Oostende, Belgium
Maybe partition is the answer - and a big wall.
David Rochester, Liverpool, UK
Dr Rowan Williams (and his perversely PC views) is in serious danger of undoing the good that the Bishop of Rochester, Dr Michael Nazir-Ali has done with his comments.
It really is time to wake up, why tolerate the intolerant?
I believe in a tolerant, fair and just society, that society will not accept a small minority of extremists because of misguided PC notions. Multiculturalism has been a disaster, its time for the government to be strong and take action. Great Britain is coming towards point of no return and the PC brigade will happily take us all over the edge.
Dave, Gibraltrar,
Can’t Dr Michael Nazir-Ali be made Archbishop of Canterbury, instead of that ludicrous political correct thinking Rowan Williams?
Peter, Brussels,
In my home neighbourhood in India, a muslim educational education (madrassa), granted planning permission as such, quickly morphed into a mosque broadcasting the call to prayer at ear shattering decibals, five times a day. Even requests from a hospital in the vicinity to tone down the early morning (5 am) call to prayer, which woke up the patients, fell on deaf years. ALL the people in the area were too scared to object, because of the implied threat to person and family.
jan, kent,
The things people do for attention.
Farrukh, Woking, UK
I think your comments Natalie are disgusting.
You say 'You gave them bread and welcomed them on your shores and now they are throwing stones at you'. Calling Muslims 'evil', May God forgive you.
I am 100% British, born in London, like all my ancestors and I happen to live in a Muslim area and be a Muslim.
Intollerance and ignorance is a sad thing, instead of always seeking to join the bandwagon and make derogatory comments, seek knowledge. I call all people with any moral values to look between the lines and seek knowledge before making comments on a religion that people seem to know nothing about. People also need to remember don't always judge the faith by it's followerrs.
True faith makes no room for intollerance,
Khadijah Foote, Leicester, England
Perhaps this may help to reveal that the king has no clothes on !!
(From a once popular story by Hans Christian Andersen)
Chris, Oxford, England
Dear Ruth Gledhill,
How exactly does "death threats" for claming "no-go areas"
equals "death threats" for "criticising Islam"
Do you have an agenda Ruth?
Jayil, london, uk
And it is supposed to be a peaceful religion
Phil, Castleford, UK
We must stand up against blinkered views, before it is too late.
One wonders how councils can support any belief system that teaches intolerance. Yes, you sometimes have to be intolerant to preserve a system of tolerance.
We do not want religious civil war in this country, so this must be stopped now.
roger, london,
I was born into a third generation Christian Indian family and grew up to a secondary level of education in a Commonwealth muslim country from the Orient (it now professes to be an Islamic state?) before coming to reside in England. I totally agree and have a deep empathy with Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali's struggles (and also those fellow Christian shepherds like him) to alleviate and prevent the erosion of our Christian heritage here in England. It is about time the others also should realize this as the 'Wake Up' call to uphold those Christian (and historical-consitutional) heritage and values which has provided us a vindicated plural society here today in England.
Mark, Watford, UK
As a Tamil refugee from n.sri lanka, I lived in Bradford 89 -94 and returned 02 - 07. The difference was enormous. Now the new majority, instead of viewing me as an ally as they did previously, viewed myself and the several hundreds of chinese and affrican student/immigrants comming to live in Bradford with deep hostility & hate!
nandakumar, munich, germany
The problem is religion - full stop.
Rob Green, Essex, England
Pray for the safety of Bishop Michael and others who work for Christ in this area.
Pray also for the Archbishop of Canterbury that he comes to realise that this evil must be faced.
ew, uk,
"The Bishop of Rochester is in effect threatening to undo everything we have done."
Are we sure that this "Bishop of Rochester" is not a Hindu extremist in sheeps clothing?
Jayil, london, uk
How do you people know that the 'death threats' came from Muslims and not BNP/Hindu extremist members ?
Jayil, london, uk
From the article: 'Muslims should only be granted the right to broadcast a "call to prayer" from a mosque in Oxford if church bells are allowed to ring out across Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia,'
Why? We decide how we live in this country according to our own mores and values. If it was the Saudi government asking permission to make the calls to prayer for its employees in the UK then that would be a different matter. However, as far as I know, it's UK citizens asking their own government. It has nothing to do with what some Muslims in other countries do or how they behave.
David Jones, Loughborough, UK
These threats are another form of terrorism. Let's don't allow them to win. This is a way to submit people in Britain to their way of life and religios believe. I hope Christian comminities and other faiths stand strong in front of these threats and allow their bishops and authorities to speak loud. This bishop to me is a hero among a bunch of cowards wich allow the majority of people in Britain to be intimidated by a minority of radical muslims.
maria, northampton, uk
Good on Dr Nazir-Ali for telling it like it is. We need more like him!
Sarah, Carcassonne, France
It seems the Bishops words have been bourne out. To threaten to kill someone for the saying something you disagree with seems to be exactly what he is saying about extremism.
Good point well made.
Craig, Kent,
I agree with bishop, that Britain had lost its Christian vision.
And absence of a Christian vision had led to multiculturalism. “Everyone agrees that multiculturalism has had disastrous consequences, and that segregation and extremism have arisen from this.†It is high time that the Christians wake up to the dangers.
Dr.George, Croydon
dr.k.george, croydon, UK
It saddens me to see what has become of this great country. Great Britain needs to wake up sharp and stop living in denial. You gave them bread and welcomed them on your shores and now they are throwing stones at you. This is not the way to go in any religion.
Shame you need an Asian bishop to open your eyes because you seem to be too weak to stand up for yourselves when your country is being haunted by evil. Don't leave it too late because you might be the ones seekeing asylum one day soon!!
Nathalie, Paris, France
The bishop. God bless him, is quite right. Britain and other European countries should wake up before it is too late.
Brian O Cinneide, eThekwini, Afrika Borwa
Agree just proves that what Dr Nazir-Ali said was what is happening through out the country, and the reaction from Dr Rowan Williams more PC brown nosing> I think it is time he was moved on, no wonder people are giving up the church.
Barry Holmes, Christchurch, New Zealand
I am a fan Dr. Michael Nazir-Ali. He has the guts to call a spade, a spade.
This threat is a serious issue and an indicator of the hold of Islamic extremists in Britain.
All the inter-faith dialogues are useless and Muslims will not listen to others as has been noticed in other nations. They believe in only one-way street!
Regards,
Krishna R. Kumar, Udupi, India
He's just telling the truth. And regarding the calls to prayer in Oxford. I quite agree... it shouldn't be allowed until Islamic countries allow the same freedom to churches. The fact is, Muslims are a small minority in the UK, yet they exert a heavy and negative influence on society. Hearing their call to prayer sevreal times a day would drive non-Muslims from an area and add to the creation of another Muslim-only area.
john, London, UK
Dr.Nazir Ali is absolutely right ,people in the UK should wake up ...these people hate us ..the infidels..and that naive Bishop in particular .exactly what have you done? you are just wasting your time, talking and pandering to Muslims.Forums etc are a total waste of time.we spend our time trying to understand them and they don't give a damn.
rachel williams, taumton, somerset
Solving the problem by killing the messenger. Sounds about right for this faith that's been cruelly perverted for evil persons' ends. What do the 'good' Muslims think? Precious little is heard from them in public, and that is only helping and tacitly supporting these fanatics.
Peter K Day, Doncaster, Yorkshire
Aiddy, is it the religion that can take no criticism or some of its dumber, angrier adherents? If you have trouble answering that question, google "bombings" + "abortion clinics". Or "Sri Lanka" + "suicide bombings".
Michael, Pueblo, CO, USA
it is common to see christian workers distributing christian books and other material in birmingham city centre being abused by muslim youths, soon they too will need police protection.
rajan mathew, BIRMINGHAM, united kingdom
Where are the refutations of these threats from the MCB or other "spokesmen" fro the muslim community. Silence as usual.
Muslim communities accros Britain should be making it clear both intenally and externally that such threats are unnaceptable behaviou.
And our police? If the boot was o the other foot I am sure theywould investigating to find the perpetrator. What are doing ohter than giviing a "phone" number and a bit of short term "protection"
David, Sevenoaks, Kent
Amazing logic! They feel insulted by what he says and then threaten to kill him. Seems to prove his point, doesn't it? When will we realise that these extremists threaten life as we know it in this country. I wish Rowan Williams would get his head out of the clouds and face the real issues. Christians are persecuted by Muslim extremists all over the world - that is a fact.
ken edwards, sheffield, yorks
The most depressing sentence in this depressing article is that by the unnamed senior cleric from the Church of England:
“The Bishop of Rochester is in effect threatening to undo everything we have done.†No, the Bishop of Rochester of Rochester is in effect telling the truth. The Church of England unfortunately is too scared to confront the reality and continues to labour under the misapprehension that Islam is a religion of peace. Really? And the death threats...
Nick Mortimer, London,
Islam means peace and this religion is not for arabs but for the whole humans living on this earth. In Islam Allah say's One who killed a man killed the whole humanity. So these kind of acts are not supported by Islam and people who are doing these things are not known to Islam or its real virtue.
If a Christian do the wrong act it does not meant that Christianity is wrong the man should be penalized not the whole religion same as to Islam. So not to blame religion but black sheep's in the society.
Humayun, NY, USA
Once again someone in the UK is threatened with death for excercising their right to 'freedom of speech' by the Islamic fundamentalists who want to oppress all races and force 'their version' of the Islamic religion on everyone else. Only democracy will bring peace in our world, the threats of violence come from budding dictators. If they cannot accept freedom then lock them away on their own island and let them tear themselves apart while vying for power.
Jeff, London, UK
If the Archbishop of Canterbury is abandoning his brother in Christ in such a cowardly manner. Refusing to take a stand against those who would bury they truth, then surely, the Archbishop of Canterbury is one of those who would have denied Christ.
I hope the Bishop of Rochester knows that he is in the thoughts and prayers of so many of us around the world, and that we hope other leaders in the Anglican church rally round him as Christ would have. This is most disconcerting.
Marie, Boston, MA, US
"There are no-go areas for non-Muslims in the UK."
One death threat later: "Thank you for making my point."
Harold, San Diego, California
So the Bishops says Christian clergy face danger when entering moslem areas.....Bishop is ridiculed and denounced for said comments by the usual bunch of liberal appeasers of radical Islam......Bishop subsequently receives death threats from Moslems for saying it is dangerous for non-Moslems to enter Moslem areas.
Like Rushdie, Danish cartoonists, Afghan journalists, Moslem apostates and many others who dare to exercise their right to say and think as they please, the whole world is now a very dangerous no-go area for the good Bishop of Rochester. I applaud him for his bravery and wish him well.
t hanlon, london,
Kind of proves his point, doesn't it! The first reaction of some extremists is to kill or threaten to kill - at the slightest offence. However, the great majority of Muslims are very different and live their lives agreeably.
I think we need to argue that all religions are an act of faith (not fact) and may or (more likely) may not be correct. Since only one of thousands of faiths can be coreect (and maybe not even that one) we should focus on spreading kindness not cruelty to others.
Phil, Hong Kong,
Muslims just can't accept criticism can they? Death threats indeed!
If any of the people uttering these threats is caught, I hope a stiff prison sentence will be imposed.
As an Englishman, I object to any religious group bullying and intimidating others.
If Muslims in this country don' t get off their collective backsides and accept that we will only tolerate their presence here if they STOP trying to intimidate, we are in for real trouble.
Michael Rigby, Blackburn,
well, dont the death threats prove his point? This is typical of Islamic thugs; when they hear something they dont like, they respond with threats and violence. Keep letting Muslims into Britian, my English freinds, and soon your country will be just another backwater, like any of the other hell-holes in the Middle East.
john johnson, ny, ny, USA
All religions are open to debate, although any criticism of radical Islam is stifled, making it a no-go area.
Anyone daring to comment on radical Islam, or, in the Bishop of Rochester's case, tell the truth about Britain's no go areas, nearly always receive threats of one form or another.
Criticise any other religion, and there's no threats, least of all death threats.
It's time we stopped making a special case of Islam, and stopped the appeasement. We need to take a firm stand and let those who don't like the western way of life, that they can adapt and stay here, or they can go to any country which suits their particular way of life.
N. Simon, London,
As usual the lovers of peace are out in force with threats, I hope The Bishop of Rochester continues to speak the truth about this so called peaceful religion that can take no criticism.
Aiddy, No Go UK, Invaded state
Thank god, I now live in Brisbane Australia, with thousands of UK residents and millions pouring into Australia to get away from this sort of thing.
My work colleagues recently visited Great Bagdad, sorry Great Britain and were shocked at the changes.
People in the UK do not have the courage to tackle these issues, the priest is right.
Call to prayer - use modern technology, radio, TV, texts and good old fashioned Talking.
Colin, Brisbane, Australia
Typical reaction from the followers of this peaceful loving religion. Dont like your opinion they will kill you.
Peter Andrew, Montreal , Canada
His point is proven by the threats on his life. What is obvious to the courageous cannot be stomached by the appeasing sops such as Rowan.
bernard ross, st. anns bay, jamaica
Dr Michael Nazir-Ali needs to be congratulated and not castigated by senior clerics within the church of England. It is shameful and downright galling that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, who as supposed leader, has not taken up this pressing issue himself. I only hope that other valiant men like the Bishop of Rochester, now come to their senses and speak out on in defence of what this brave man has had the courage to say. His fortitude in the face of adversity, is after all the founding principal on which the Christian faith is based upon,something Dr Rowan Williams, ironically, need reflect upon.
Gerry, Shanghai, China
The reaction of muslims simply adds more weight to his comments and the general view that most of the worlds trouble is caused by this 'peaceful' faith.
Vish, London,
Ironic that a person born in Pakistan has to defend the christian faith in England because none of the locals has the courage or wit to do so! My guesstimate is no more than 50 years before the C.of E expires anybody give me odds?
gordon gray, auckland, new zealand
The fact that the Bishop received death threats over this, confirms the absolute truth of what he said. A sad state of affairs for a democracy, when the truth is censored in order to kow-tow to one particular religious group.
Paul Obvious, Brisbane, Australia