I think you should in fact read the archbishops lecture before any criticisms are made, from what i can infer the archbishop is in fact debating a plural jurisdiction- but not specifically for sharia law he just uses sharia as his way of illustrating his point!

Karan, Leeds,

"Archbishop of Canterbury", you say? No wonder Christian churches are giving way to mosques in England. One would expect bearers of the title to defer to the law of God (Jehovah, that is) at every need for improvement of our jurisprudence. The crazies have sold out to the beastly.

Luxan King, NY, NY, USA

It's all very well being an intellectual but the Archbishop's lack of common sense is risible. He has caused more damage with his lecture than anyone since Enoch Powell.

leila , manchester, uk

Dr Rowan Williams’s is the acceptable liberal Anglican Church leader despite his ineptness……..

This is not the first time Dr Rowan Williams has made a mockery of his so called leadership of one of the main stream Christian churches in England & Wales. During his five years of office he has proven himself to be completely out of touch with the feelings of the vast majority British people let alone British Christians or even the majority of Anglicans.

His muddled academic views reflect no one else's except his own and his merry band of academic liberals who live in their own little world but sadly have a disproportionate amount of power in the running of the Anglican Church. This latest faux par by the Archbishop should be the final straw and he should be encouraged to resign forthwith before he makes any more embarrassing or as this time; dangerous remarks in public. However, the liberal clerics and other similar hangers on that run the Anglican Church will make sure he stays.

Simon Icke, AYLESBURY, UK

Aside from the legal logistics of changing some laws to abide by Islamic law (which can be interpreted many ways as another poster points out), Williams seems to be opening the door to changing the legal and moral fabric of the UK to mimic another culture, rather than to encourage immigrants from the other culture to adhere to established British law.

How about this: Dr. Rowan Williams takes a trip to Saudi Arabia, and convinces the government that 1) the death penalty be abolished, 2) equal rights for women and people of other faiths be instituted throughout society, and 3) the Saudi government open their borders to immigration from the rest of the world in the same way the U.K, and U.S. have done while providing equal or greater social welfare (monetary assistance) and police protection for the new comers as their own citizens. After he achieves that, he will have proven his voice worth listening to.

Tim, Ventura, Ca., USA

Sharia Law, a big majority has very little knowledge what it means and how it works. The route of the problem is we are so terrified of word Islam, that anything related to it suddenly looks evil and unsuitable and should be avoided at all costs.
I am not here to advocate any kind of Sharia Law, infact if you speak to experienced lawyers, they will tell you most of our laws are already according to islamic Sharia. There are so many things in this country that are perfectly in accordance with Islamic Laws, we are just not aware of them. For example the social and welfare system in this country was first introduced in the times of Prophet Muhammad(PBUH). The first and the formost responsibility of an Islamic Country is to provide welfare for poor, a system where everyone recieves their share . A healthy tax system, taking from rich and distributing amongst the poor was first introduced in the early times of islam.

U Ahmed, London,

Continued:
Infact so worried were the Spiritual Leaders of that time, they had a big Empire stretching from Saudi to Persia, they used to go out at nights covered up asking people for their problems and making sure no one goes to sleep without food. I can without a shadow of doubt claim that if there is a country following true islamic values in its essence Britain is one of them. Even Islamic countries can not lay claim to this.
Now the problem is which Sharia law we will follow,there are so many school of thoughts, and is there a perfect one?The harsh realities of law we see in islamic worls is a result of going away from islam and not following tru islamic teachings,resulting in twisting & bending of laws. Islamic teachings are strongly against using any force,however if we read about the true essence and benefits of adopting some of them, they will add value to British law.

U Ahmed, London,

Continued:
All Respectable Archbishop has done is to promote discussion in peace on islamic values, which is a good sign of british tolerance towards religion. It will not only encourage Muslims but also traditional christians to actively participate in discussions.
Allowing people to discover the peaceful nature of Islam and to educate muslims about their own religion. It seems even our politician are not intelligent enough to spot the benefits of this debate and as usual it is taken in a negative manner. A religious leader should be allowed to express his views, specially when it leads to healthy debates, resulting in harmony.

U Ahmed, London,

The scapegoat
In defence of the Archbishop – it seems everyone is piling in on him.

Let us look at the roots of this furore. All the Archbishop said was that some elements of shari’a should be recognised in Britain. So what? Some elements of shari’a are already recognised in Britain. And this is a consequence of immigration of Muslims to the UK. This, combined with the high birth rate of Muslims, make not just some elements of shari’a unavoidable, but shari’a itself, inevitable in the UK in less the 50 years, and consequently the end of the historic cultural identity of this nation.

I don’t recall the Archbishop or the Synod defining immigration policy, or allowing shari’a mortgages, shari’a banking, inhumane Halal methods of slaughter, turning a blind eye to the oppression of Muslim women, recognition of polygamous marriages - it is successive governments, and New Labour in partcular. We would not be in a state of hysteria over shari’a were it not for these facts.

DaveP, Beverley, UK

Err... Since the church seems to be accomodating on grounds of religious faith, can I build a wickerman, along with the necessary sacrifries......? It would be totallly concensual and, given the president he's given, one would hope that it'll be eventually enshined in Bristish law.

steve, Wandsworth, London

The media have reduced the reputation of Sharia to a caricature.

I suggest to Brenda Ziser that she try to think of Islam as an ally in the global fight between God and evil. There is much to be respected in Islam, if we open our minds beyond what the press tells us.

Note that our religious leaders (Pope, Archbishop etc) have been pointing this out to us for years.

We need a moral dimension to our society. Rowan Williams is playing the Sharia card in his role as the advocate of God in the "God vs Caesar" or "Church vs State" debate in England.

Two key ideas which the media might use to redress the balance towards more respect for Sharia:

1: strengthen respect and support for Sharia and maybe some of the "honour killing" in the Asian community might be contained. AFAIK, these are carried out in defiance of Sharia.

2: support for Sharia-compliant financing is timely, as the core of trust in the international financial system has been eaten away to nothing.

John Lysaght, Dublin, Ireland

I don't believe the majority of people have misunderstood the archbishop's comments. The issue at stake here is not about some mild minor aspect of civil sharia law being adopted or not, its about whether any religious leaders should have any influence over law making in this country whatsoever. They should not, of course these comments are divisive and inflammatory. Williams should resign along with any other religious leaders who make public political pronouncements. Keep religion out of the state.

Richard, Reading,

Arcishop of caterbary is a great person , not mistaken .many of whom stressed on this lecture, may you are the futue activist nor you are ignorant of the secrets behind

generally this lecture is not only britin it consern the other world . just any religous should respected it is once life , but the religous that dont respect the others and contraduct democracy , means it violating humanrights. this is the point that not only the cristan society , all religous is concernd to fight illegal religous .

the comment of Arcishop maight be consderd as presonal comment, yes he tried to call the government for further investigation and action
this issue shall conserng the government on power to stop illegal religous wich affect the others

otherwise britins proclam the sharia law all over the country with in ten years
you think that this is inposible because british has a concret and strong law, but you will find in the future who it work

goban gergo, alfa, egypt

I think most people expected immigrants who came to the west to bring their children up with western values and even have western names.
I don't accept cultural ghettos, i think you can not have complete freedom of speech and religion in a self perpetuating civilization.

Daniel K888, Melbourne , Australia

The main problem with the Archbishop's speech is it is largely unintelligable by the average human being. I like to think I'm fairly well educated - university degrees - but most of the text failed to reach a point in any sort of understandable way.
I fear the Archbishop will be forced to resign simply because he could not present his argument in plain English.

P. Fields, Reading, UK

Christianity is a sleeping Giant. It is time for Christians to rise up and stand for what we believe.
We are a Christian country. Scripture clearly says the the Lord Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life no one comes to the Father except through Him.
St John 14:
Our stance should be that we love ALL people but believe that ALL should come to faith in Jesus Christ the Saviour of the world.

John Harold Marsden, Prestatyn, Denbighshire

The dear Archbishop would rot out British and Western society at the expense of false tolerance. As the Nation that first loved, lived, and fought for freedom and personal responsibility, such thinking has no place in modern Britain or elsewhere. Nonsense. Americans love Britain, its Queen, and much of its ancient culture, but this Archbishop has no sense or understanding of the very great English culture and land he inhabits. Rubbish.

John Keenan, OPL, Boise, Idaho, United States of America

Why should Sharia law be given a special airing? How about arranged marriages in Hindu culture, letting some African cultures murder children because they are witches or allowing Mormons to be polygamistsetc?

Suzanne Burdon, Maidenhead, Berks

It could be that the Archbishop is causing major controversy to distract the public from the major fracture in the Anglican/Episcopal Churches over the ordination of an openly gay bishop, the ordination of female bishops, and the dissent toward teachings of the Church that are based upon Scripture and Tradition.

TimJ, Cheyenne, WY U.S.A.

To quote a good friend, "One can be so open-minded that one's brains fall out!"

Mary Carolyn Lawson, Odessa, FL

Have any of the above who have criticised the Archbishop actually read the whole of his lecture? Please tell us so we can assess the accuracy of your comments. Those who have not, might wish to do so before they enter this debate - that is, if it to be a serious exchange and not just a venting of prejudices.

Jonathan Chaplin, Cambridge, UK

no muslims as asked for it so you people need to calm down...if you want to blame someone blame the bishop

hassan nazir, m, cleveland

Why do we give so much coverage to these out dated and insignificant individuals ... religion should have a limited voice regarding law, and other matters affecting the whole of society, within a secular nation.

Nick James, London,

The use of Sharia in the Muslim community would have no effect whatsoever on the practice of English law for other non-Muslim citizens. However, my concern is that those Muslims who do opt for the English system as opposed to Sharia will be vilified by their communities. This could become the next crime of dishonour. The intimidation of moderate Muslims by radical Islamists is already a problem and this can only exacerbate the situation.
And that's saying nothing about Women's Rights... who gets to choose anyway?

Ella, London, UK

When I first read this story my first reaction was of anger, much in line with the comments which have already appeared. On reflection, however, it occurred to me that in my 50 years of life up to the end of the last century if I ever thought about the Muslims living here I thought of them as model citizens, and I would only have been mildly curious about such a pronouncement. Bin Laden has done a truly terrific job in setting the people of this country against each other to provoke this kind of reaction.

Ian Corke, Colchester, England

It truly is shocking to hear a Christian call for Sharia, an extreme assault against the human person. The great St. Padre Pio (who just passed away in 1968 and is thus a saint of modern times) said that society needed to be "reformed", but his suggestion was that everyone should become a secular Franciscan. What this basically suggests is that each decides for personal holiness of life, eschewing superfluous materialism, and making a vow of charity. This is quite different from oppression and tyranny, which destroys the freedom and joy God gave every human person. The Third Order Franciscan's vow to charity is a vow to love and assist all people insofar as they can. This is a far cry from tyranny and oppression, whose only goal is domination, exploitation and murder. In Medjugorje, Our Lady said that if mankind were not careful, we could exterminate all life on the planet ourselves. A step towards tyranny and oppression is another step towards this horrible end of humanity.

Brenda Ziser, Austin, Tx.

We'll miss you England

Matthew, St Petersburg, Florida

Has Williams gone completely off his rocker?

Julie, Jacksonville, Florida USA

It is hearing comments like these from the Archbishop of Canterbury that makes me realise that perhaps I can stay within the Anglican church. It is not quite so bad after all! Thank you Dr Williams.

E Economou, Rugby, UK

Bearing in mind the Archbishop has previously managed to fit his foot almost perfectly into his mouth, shouldn't someone (within the church or not) be tasked with going through his proposed address first? Should he be allowed this platform to preach anything even vaguely close to changes to our legal system? Isn't he supposed to talk about faith and stuff?

The Royal family get their public statements vetted - so too should members of the church. These people are figureheads of our society and culture, and the nation listens when they speak.

John, Sunny Bournemouth, UK,

It isn't going to happen, thank goodness. The reactions of the government and opposition parties, the media and, above all, the general public make that clear.
Rowan Williams is the latest in a centuries-old line of eccentric British intellectuals, people with first-class philosophical minds but little understanding of what's acceptable to the vast majority of others.
Has he ever wondered why we no longer choose men like him to govern us?

Mike, Cardiff, U.K.

This can be no more than God's punishment. Our rulers are blind, and are throwing themselves into the mire.

Chris, UK,

His comments are wholly devisive. Accepting some aspects of Sharia law are the thin edge of the wedge. Muslims constitute only a fraction of our society - why are we constantly pandering to this minority?

Sharron, Redruth, Cornwall

Clearly we in the Church of England have a leader "not fit for purpose."

Fr Bryan East, Humberston, Lincolnshire

Maybe, just maybe some people moved to the UK to escape such laws & practices. Seems like it is only the religious leaders who want to take these actions and subsequently benefit from them. I say that if you so desperately need such laws to be happy then return to your origin country.

Eric, Minneapolis, USA

Surely it`s time to assure that all religious laws are secondary to our civil law, before we get into a bigger mess !
Have any marriage, divorce etc ceremony you wish but civil registration must go in tandem. This must apply to Muslims, Jews, Sikhs and anyone elso. It will mean a clampdown on 'helal meat' (successfully done in many countries), crash helmets for all, no religious exception etc etc

Are our politicians up to it ?

John Mason, Gravesend, UK

If the Archbishop wishes to live in a jurisdiction governed by Sharia law, then there are lots for him to choose from!

Jennifer, London,

Don't be too impressed by Rowan Williams simply because he wears a costume. He is really someone from the loony left who has had high office conferred on him. His remarks is an insult to all those who sacrificed their lives for our values. I do hope this man is not given any official role again at any future remembrance ceremony.

Cass, London, UK

Surely Dr Williams is merely playing "Devil Advocate". I don't believe for one minute he really believes his own headlines.

His rhetoric merely draws attention to the fact that the once highly influential Cof E has lost it's grip on law and to some extent so have "Mps" in general.

Gordon Brown and his liberal minded cabinet seem to be bringing more and more laws in concerning anglo/asian issues... ultimately how long before we have "Sharia Law"?

Chas N Dave, Brampton, Cumbria, UK

Rowan Williams, DWP and HMRC(polygamous marriage benefits) are proposing political correct segregration. Polygamy is not compulsory as Prophet Mohammad would not want his daughter, Fatima to be hurt by it when her husband asked his permission for a second wife. Sharia laws will worsen social intregration as the Muslims themselves have 4 schools of Sharia let alone cultural differences between muslim countries.

Carolyn, Surbiton,

When is someone going to stand up for the natives of these islands?It seems no one is interested in the views of those of us whose ancestors have lived here for thousands of years,views we are not allowed to openly express.We are constantly being told how wonderful it is to live in a multicultural society society but the reality is not always so rosy as we can now see happening.When I think of what this country was I despair!

James, London, U K

What is wrong with you Brits? The news coming out of Britain scares the rest of us in the USA. It seems to us you have no backbone when it comes to your muslim immigrants. You are supposed to be an ally but now we find ourselves worrying about every Brit that comes to America and we are forced to do racial profiling at our airports. If you don't stand up for yourselves you'll find yourself in a civil war and we will have to go over there to save you from yourselves. Snap out of it. God bless the USA for being tough on islamic terrorism.

Joanna, venice, USA

Ya know who also like "accommodating,"

Doug, Atlanta, GA,

We have the laws of the land as set by parliment and if they are good enough for the majority of this country then they are most certainly good enough for the majority. How dare Dr Rowan suggest that our laws aren't good enough for others who are 'supposedly' trying to integrate with everyone else. Wouldn't it just show themto be even more different?

kim, london,

What next ? Calls to prayer from the top of Westminster Abbey ? If Shria Law decrees we all must drive on the right hand side of the road, well at least it would help traffic congestion and The Archbishop will have to resort to using "Shank's Pony" !

Peter Hughes, Burnham, Bucks.

This is Great Britain, this is not a Muslim country. Maybe we should try to build a cathedral in the middle of Riyadh and ring the bells on a Sunday morning. Am sure that would go down a storm.

Natalie, Kent,

Before the befuddled archbishop opens his mouth again, perhaps he should remember a simple maxim: "Please ensure Brain is in gear before putting mouth into motion!"

And as far as Sharia law in the UK, I find myself in agreement with the overwhelming vast majority of correspondents, which might well be summed up as Not only NO, HELL NO!

Adrian Ryan, Donegal, Ireland

In the middle ages you also had different laws for different people.

And we evolved a judicial system which was fair, just and accepted by all citizens.

Now Sharia Law is based on 12th century practice so our meddling priest is in line with that thinking.

By the way ask a Muslim woman what she thinks of Sharia Law when the man wants a divorce/2nd or 3rd wife etc. She is treated as a nothing.

Richard, London,

Although born in Scotland I grew up and lived for many years in the US and so one striking discovery that I encountered in the UK after returning a few years ago was government (taxpayers) money being used to support religion based schools. Now the Archbishop wants to institute a form of law that violates every precept of democracy. What this country needs is a law banning the use of any tax monies to support any religion or religious institution. I for one do not want my tax dollars going to support any religion or any religious teaching and I suspect the majority of people in this country don't either.

Shirley Hodge, Glasgow, E. Renfrewshire

Does Rowan Williams really think that this bit of kidology will bring people back into the C of E?
What will bring people back in, is the C of E becoming more involved in local commumities and promoting and helping education, music, arts, sports and all that is good for the community and country!

Caroline, London,

If we are true to our faiths and beliefs then we uphold and respect the law, no matter which country we may choose to live in. When we are born in a country we grow up with the laws of the country, which in many terms are common throughout the developed world.

Shari law has no place within the British legal system. Personal marital / financial disputes can be discussed with a mediator, if needs be, if not then divorce and settlements remain within the law of the land.

Mark Harris, Swansea, Wales

As leader of 'The Church of ENGLAND' he should be at least sacked and if he wants muslim law go and live with them in the dessert somewhere...and thats putting it mildly.

Robin Bennion, Cheltenham, E N G L A N D

He and the rest of the religeous fraternity hold irrational and silly beliefs already (and morals and ethics have nothing to do with religion). By his basic beliefs he is deluded, why give publicity to this profoundly silly man. His partner the Archbishop of York seems to vie with him - cutting up his collar, living in a tent - as to who can come out with the stupidest stunt. These people are irrelevant in a modern society.

David, London, England

Not much of an argument for integration is it? Williams puts me in mind of the Smith&Jones comedy sketch in which a vicar welcmes devil worshipers into his church on the basis that all faiths are welcome. I am astonished that the Church of England can accommodate such a man as a member let alone a leader.

Stephen Rowley, London, UK

Dr Williams has just proved for once and all why religious leaders do not belong in the House of Lords. If they undermine the law of the land they should not be involved in making it.

Laura, Dorking, Surrey

When religious leaders sport ridiculous facial hair they start to lose credibility. Often, as in this case, when they open their mouths they prove they have no concept of the real world. Different laws for people in the same country would soon make the place ungovernable.

Peter, Cardiff,

When Britain was facing a very dark time, Churchill said;

"If this long island story of ours is to end at last, let it end only when each one of us lies choking on his own blood upon the ground."

The end of our island story is not so far off now. Where is the leader now with this spirit? Would anyone follow such a leader anymore? The people are reduced to impotent rage, posting comments in the Times.

Charles, Bath, UK

Rivers of Blood - Enoch Powell

louis blanc, Liverpool, merseyside

I feel very sorry for the archbishop I hope he gets the help he so obviously needs. I think he craves attention even if that attention is negative. I wonder what was missing in his childhood.

Steve, Portsmouth,

I can only assume that someone in government has said to him: 'We're getting a lot of stick at the moment. Could you say something really outrageous to deflect press attention away from us..?'
Its the only possible explanation....

david, Cambridge, UK

Sadly the country has lost its identity, and these comments from the archbishop have not helped. I think many of our problems today are due to the fact that there seems to be no boundaries, a case of anything goes attitude, nothing seems to shock people anymore, what did happen to the Britain we could be proud of. It is no wonder that more people are turning to the catholic faith for guidance, i for one feel this way. its seems the only way to keep our christian beliefs alive.

Janet Sullivan, Selly Park Birmingham, england

Briton is a great county any one that comes to live here must live by British values, would we be allowed to practice parts of our laws in Saudi? I don’t think so as the old saying goes WHEN IN ROME
Anna South Wales

Anna Wheeler, Cardiff, Wales

This is awful. I always admired the UK and just this week I decided to consider seriously to immigrate there and leave ignorant Germany. But now I think the entire continent is doomed and hope I will soon find a way to drag my decaying body (and my cash) over the Atlantic to get at least a little relaxation before life ends.

Juergen T., Stuttgart, Germany

It is this kind of comment that makes people turn away from relegion and Christianity in particular.

ramesh thakrar, London,

When so-called Islamic countries are more lenient to Christians and would adopt part of Christian 'law' into their own constitution then maybe I would be more lenient to Sharia Law.
Hell will freeze over before this happens, so why have the rhetoric!

So Dr Rowan William go and do what you were taught to do and dont meddle in Politics.

louis blanc, Liverpool, merseyside

Wake Up England! Will no one speak for us?

Bob Reeve, Brighton,

Is it possible that the Archbishop is playing Devil's Advocate?

cerriden, London, UK

When is Rowan Williams going to begin to speak boldly and defend the Chritian faith. Is it possible that he has now become one of the anti-christs mentioned in the sciptures? He is an insult to the Christian faith and I feel he should be removed and replaced by someone who will speak boldy for Christianity. The British people need to return to their Christian faith, get back to their churches and start promoting the great Christian values that are necessary for our quality of life and freedom. Rowan Williams is a disgrace as a Christian leader and should go now.

Andy, Lancashire, UK

He doesn't want to see the extremes of Islamic law , then why
is he opening the door to it , because that is where it will end up and by opening the debate that nobody wanted he will fuel a fire no one will put out .
If the muslim 's presently residing in this country want Sharia law then go and live in a country that has it . We , the indigenous people of this country do not want Sharia law nor shall we put up with it or endorse anyone who tries to undermine the law's we have spent 800 years trying to get right.

Nick Dixon, Sutton Coldfield, England's green and pleasant

What do you expect from someone that believes in a giant invisible being that lives in the sky, knows everything, created everything, and talks to humans in their language. Give me a break.

william montague, Hyannis, MA

Unbelievable

KB, Louisville, KY, US

Appeasement. It didn't work in the past and it won't work now. To imagine it could displays staggering naivety by Dr Williams, at a time when one of his own senior clerics is receiving death threats from the very zealots he wishes to appease.

The only job Dr Williams should be permitted is that of missionary, perhaps in an Islamic country?

Bill, Ramsey,

As a Christian and a member of the C of E I feel embarassed by my Archbishop. It is Christianity which says all people are created equal (there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female - St Paul), but Sharia Law which make Muslim males no 1, and everyone else 2ed class citizens. Why would we want anything to do with such a law? My Archbishop seems to have gone mad

David Winkworth, farnborough,

Having listened to his eminence The Archbishop Of Centerbury's views in the past nothing surprises me with him. It is really sad that all the current top religious leaders are not even fit to lead sheep. And as for their 'scholarship' let's not even go down that one because it really is nothing but divine farce.[I am being kind here because I am not articulate enough without being unprintably insulting to express myself]. Without exeption they must be an embarassment to God and as far as us mortals are concerned they are all a serious danger. May God help us all.

j.s. SIERZANT, nelson, England

Completely unacceptable! This is not a Muslim country.

Cathy , Devon,

An achetypal example of English appeasement. I did not realise the Archbishop wss related to Chamberlain.
I wonder how comfortable all the followers of christianity must feel now. Does he feel that there may be a place in islam for himself.

howard, london,

Ive been tipped over the edge , after 40 years of supporting labour I have today applied to join the BNP Probably now the only guardian of British values . I dare say many many others will do just the same .

Gordon Lonsdale , Norhampton , uk

Britain should be a secular state. Religion has no place in law or in schools, except in history and philosophy lessons. And what is Dr. Williams and his 25 colleagues doing still in the House of Lords in 2008?

Expat Charlie, Munich,

I feel now would be a good time for Dr. Williams to find another job.......

Perhaps as a Iman.

dave, blackburn, lancs

If Muslims are allowed to do something that other religions are not, then there is discrimination on the basis of religion. Can I pick and choose the good bits (like the number of wives!) if I say I am one religion, then change my mind about my religion and pick laws from another religion?

Give the Muslims one law, they will soon take another.

Laws of our country should not change because of a minority's beliefs.

Marin, York,

If Muslims want Sharia law, they can go and have it - BUT NOT IN THIS COUNTRY. This is Britain and British law must be applied equally to all. Religion is for the private sphere and not for public life. How can we expect to improve cohesion if there is one law for Muslims and one law for everyone else? We must fight this and begin to protect and preserve all that is British, instead of so willingly giving up our laws and cultural traditions to those who do not find it in keeping with their Islamic beliefs. If things continue as they are, I dread to think what future generations will think of our stewardship.

Dan, London, UK

To Ross Liversidge, Ripon, UK: No, no, no! Not AUSTRALIA! I'm American and even I know that! Head for Iceland or Bolivia or Sakhalin Island.

DFrancis, Philadelphia, USA

I think these comments say it all; I read the first 50 comments, and not one agreed with the Archbishop. Apart from the obvious and dangerous flaws in sharia law, what is a member of the C of E doing promoting another religion, when his own it withering? It is on a par with British politicians giving away their reason for being (adjusting and introducing legislation) to the EU....

George Stephens, Grantham, England

Richard of London says, "If an American lobies hard enough can we tweak the legal system to try them by American law here?"

I believe we have long since conceded jurisdiction over US military personnel serving here. This has nothing to do with Sharia law, I know, but arguments for and against any point of view must be sound.

Paul, Bristol, UK

I am shocked and appalled that the UK once overlord of more than half the world is now bending over backwards to accomodate a mere 1% of total population that will affect the remaining 99%?

What has happened to British culture between 1950-2008 that it is so willing to destroy itself?

Hansel , Singapore,

At least the Pope knows whose side he is on.

Richard, Smith,

Whose socks was he smoking? He has lost the plot. There can only be one law for all citizens and residents in a country, else the pillars of society will crumble. Ontario in Canada nearly made this mistake a few years ago, but sense prevailed.

Lindsay Viljoen, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

I do not think the Archbishop is fit to lead the Anglican church!.Sharia law is fine in countries where it originated from,but this is England,and we have one of the best judicial systems in the world.

H.Whorton, Rotherham, S.Yorkshire

This is another sign of the New Dumb Britain age. Lately these signs show up more and more often:
- Suggestion to Russia to change its constitution to get Lugovoi extradited
- Little diplomatic war over the British Council in Russia
- Refusal to call Christmas by its name
- Banning "Three Piglets" story
- Following USA's every move, no matter how stupid it is
Now you want Sharia in Britain! Why don't you extradite British Muslims to Saudi Arabia to have full taste of the Sharia law? It makes sense since Britain offered Rusia to do this. It's not a bad idea for the New Dumb Britain. In Saudi Arabia the Sharia is the law, so you can save a lot of time and money. Besides, who would believe that British Sharia courts (I like the way it sounds) will be just enough. As another option, Britain can use Iran's court system as an example. In any case, welcome to the Middle Ages! Britain is getting what it was asking and fighting for in Iraq and Afganistan with US "crusaders".

Oleg, Toronto, Canada

How is Lady Justice gonna carry two swords and two sets of scales?

Anthony, Valletta, Malta

Enoch's analysis is coming home in spades.

I can't understand what is happening in England any more?

Mike, Sydney,

Open mouth, insert foot.
And from the top man, no less.
Glad I,m not a member of his church. How embarrasing.

Norm W/, san diego, calif. USA

I wonder if the archbish would be as accommodating to the athiests amongst us who would really appreciate laws that are not imbued with religious supersition of any kind.

Alison Macro, , amsterdam, the netherlands

One of the many horrible aspects of Sharia law, is that you never know how your local judge will interpret the Quran.

So, like in Saudi Arabia, you might get flogged or fined for drinking alcohol, depending on the mood or religious conviction of the judge. Reassuring, isn't it?

Lene Bergqvist, Copenhagen, Denmark

How can any sane person suggest that the law of the land should accommodate the theocratic ambitions of any religious sect in a democracy in the 21st century?
As the heirs of British constitutional government and common law, we should be alarmed at any attempt to weaken the separation of powers between church and state.
Those who wish to follow the dictates of any religion must expect to do so within the legal framework of our society.
I quote from the Archbishop's words in the interview with the BBC's Christopher Landau, "so an approach to law which
simply said, 'There is one law for everybody and that is all there is to be said, and anything else that commands your loyalty or your allegiance is completely irrelevant in the processes of the courts'. I think that's a bit of a danger."
I would contend, on the contrary, that this approach to the law in fact protects us, and that we should be truly alarmed at any attempt to dilute the sovereignty of the law.

Marie, Hobart, Australia

Don't we say, 'the experts miss the obvious'? The most intelligent sometimes the most stupid!!. The same has happened to the archbishop! I would suggest, he needs a break...what about having a holiday in Iran? with his wife and have a little practice of sharia first hand!

Kamal, Bombay, India

What a Wally, he'd do far better to advocate that these Muslem countries opened up to Christianity rather than inflate their egos by asking for them to have equal rights in this country. Oh and before anyone shouts about the Jews having access to their own courts, they are not advocting that they should have greater benefits from Britain. Wake up and smell the cabbage.

Peter Kay, Runcorn, UK

I've been so proud to align myself with the Church of England and the American Anglican Church in their courageous stand on gay rights, clergy. -- and now this horrible nonsensical capitulation to the oppression that is Sharia law. Shameful and scary. The Church needs a new leader.

Chris Darrouzet, San Mateo CA, CA, USA

Williams' Western liberalism is the ideology/theology of craven appeasment and surrender. It is Williams' institutional liberalism that needs to be replaced - by democratism, the rule of the democratic majority.

Terry, London, UK

Relief!! This time time it's not Brussels' fault!

Paulo, Porto, Portugal

Whilst I do not agree with the Archbishop's thoughts, he, viz the Church of England, is doing a fine thing in promoting Christian and Islamic relations in Britain.

It is the Church's right, and duty, to heal the tensions that exist between, not only Islam, but all other faiths to create a cohesive society of tolerance, understand and love of ones fellow man. His expression of that cannot be, and should not, be faulted.

Nicola Glover, Sydney, Australia

"If there is no Law to bring lawlessness to a halt, then Sharia law maybe the best to help stamp out it."

Yes, because in coutries with Shariah law, <i>nothing bad ever happens, at all, at any time, ever.</i> (I thought "heaven on earth" was theologically unsound?)

If people need to "get to know" Shariah law, can they not go travelling, or read some books? Why on earth should they have it imposed upon them without their consent in their own home, in their own land? Why should they consent to be experimented on in such a way?

I think the Archbishop needs to review his job specifications a bit.

Pauline, New York, NY

As someone once said, "Who will rid me (us) of this turbulent priest?" Clearly age is catching up with this man and he should seriously consider retiring from his position as Archbishop.

If he thought he was encouraging diversity and integration he has succeeded in achieving the complete opposite.

Based on the statistics provided, that: "There are nearly 1.6 million Muslims in Britain, representing 2.7 per cent of the total population", other minorities must be thinking what they can do to be singled out for such continual favouritism from those in power in the United Kingdom. While the views of the majority are quite clear in the back-lash to his observations - this is the UK and we have UK Laws for everyone.

It is bad enough having Brussels interfering with our judicial processes!

The cynics are not far wrong when they see this constant emphasis on just one element within our society as simply a means for 'vote catching'.

There is no fool, like an old fool.

B. Simpson, Birmingham, UK

The law has already been updated to reflect sharia compliant commercial products and services (eg sharia mortgages). Why is it any different for family law? Or iheritance law? Especially for those law abiding muslims who wish to follow it and have it applied...

jak, uk,

Sharia law should come with free unlimited access to Arabian oil for the next 100 years... Dear Dr Williams aren't you supposed to preach the word of Jesus? Like the rest of us, once you mess it up on the job it is time to call it a day. Happy sailing

Samuel Forty, London,

Most of those commenting appear not to have read the Archbishop's actual speech - for those who have, he has a point.

The discussion is a complex one, and most people seem to be relying on their misinformed views of what sharia comprises, and a typically British racist outlook on those who want legal changes from minority sections should go back home whereas if it is white people who want law changes that's up for debate...

reid, uk,

In 2005 it was proposed here in Ontario that Sharia law be incorporated on a voluntary basis. After all, we had allowed Catholic and Jewish faith-based tribunals to settle family law matters such as divorce on a voluntary basis since 1991 and Muslim leaders were entitled to demand the same rights. The outcry was overwhelming and the result was that our otherwise ineffectual provincial leader, Premier Dalton McGuinty, announced that all voluntary religious tribunals would henceforth be disregarded by the state. The conclusion was obvious: it's a slippery slope once you allow one group to have special treatment within the legal system.

The Archbishop is doing exactly the right thing ... that is, if his intention was to send a wake up call to the nation. No religion should get special treatment and the legal system must treat all equally if it is to have any meaning.

Tony Hicks, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Sorry did I miss something as an English Catholic there are laws about what i can and can't do but hey lets not get rid of those lets have some of the most anti christian laws on earth enshrined in to law instead

Richard Arrowsmith, Wallasey, England

The Archbishop's comments on Sharia law should start ringing alarm bells in the UK (is "United" a misnomer anyway today?). This is more than the "thin end of the wedge", it confirms that the "wedge" is well and truly on the way to break open society in a dangerous way, the end result of the failure over decades to encourage a cohesive and inclusive society because of the pursuit of the alleged 'benefits" of "multiculturalism.

Gerry Watts, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

To Helen F Worthing
The reason they come to the UK and stay is because of the entitlements. Money honey! Plus they are supposed to be taking over the world and that island is a good base from which to operate.

patricia Standish ex pat, dallas , usa

This Archbishop is not only an embarrassment to Anglicanism, but to England as well. His type of thinking is what has contributed to the downfall of Western Society in Britain and other countries. He should turn in his collar...better yet; The Queen of England should remove him from his office. He is a disgrace.

Tim, Louisville,

Good on yer Archbishop, nothing more likely to deter Muslim immigrants than the thought that they'll still face Sharia when they get here.

CS, E Sussex, UK

The Archbishop is crazy. Surely muslim leaders need no encouragement, in undermining attempts to build community cohesion by consistantly attempting to undermine our culture and laws.
Its not all about divorce it is in part about shifting wealth and property away from the tax man, the NHS and Social Services by unseen settlements.
How does the State monitor this movement of assets?
Muslims can have four wives and can claim benefits for the 3 extra females and the children they breed in large numbers. Where is the community cohesion and fairness in that privalaged treament?
Enough is enough this religion are dangerous and will never be satified until it takes over this country.
Beware ! The risks of severe resentment or worse amongst the majority is growing daily.

Bernard, Oldham,

As a Muslim I think that an option for some issues to be resolved by religious standards may be useful even in a pluralistic society like the UK. But this does raise so many questions about what religious interpretation would prevail. Stoning etc etc is only one extreme and really should not come into this at all. But whose religious interpretation would come into this? Surely whatver law is integrated should be consistent twith international human rights norms, as Islamic Law can and should be. No doubt there should be discussion about this with Muslim leaders over a long period--am not sure that public speculation is so helpful. On the other hand, is the UK justice system really so wonderful? Writing from the USA, I know that our "modern system" is already woefully "medieval! Don't blame the Muslims for that!

Gibran, NYC,

He's just suggesting that Moslems should be able to conduct marriages and mediate/arbitrate in divorces just as Orthodox Jews do. Just some equivalence.

Damian, Eastbourne,

Well, whatever one thinks of the issue itself, having read all the comments above one cannot say that the Archbishop has increased social cohesion.
Shame on him!

David Kavanagh, Swindon, UK

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick...............!

Dave, London, England

Why does this man keep on advocating Muslim values? Isn't he meant to be promoting Christianity?

The reason why Muslims come to this country is because it is not Pakistan / Somalia / Bangaldesh. They come here for a better life and it's our laws which make Britain civilised.

Shari'a can best be described as tribal, backward and brutal in some instances, especially if you are of the weaker sex.

I think that he should be encouraged to step down PDQ.

Garry Sukhija, London, UK

Both Dr Williams and many commentators seem to have misunderstood the nature of the law - it is not fixed in stone, it evolves over time, through legislative change backed by the democratic process, judicial precedents in the courts, and the broad consensus of what is acceptable within contemporary British society. If my views and beliefs are incompatible with the law of the land as it stands, I can express my views and campaign or lobby for change through various lawful processes, if I choose to do so. I may be successful or I may not. There is thus no case for instituting a parallel or separate legal system catering for the special pleadings of any minority, secular or religious. As a naturist campaigning for more legal recognition & acceptance of that lifestyle, I accept this - why should Muslims be treated differently by being accorded a different legal system designed to accommodate their cultural/religious preferences? I'm sorry your Grace - you're seriously wrong on this one.

Mark Praed, Epsom, UK

It is past time for the Archbishop to retire.

SMITH, Kent,

When he was elected we were all solemnly informed that Dr. Rowan Williams was regarded in C of E circles as something of an intellectual. So far his intellect has enabled him to sympathise with suicide bombers and now he's defending Sharia law in the UK.

I know many in the C of E no longer believe in God, but it's coming to something when the Archbishop of Canterbury now only believes in someone else's god!

By the way Dr. Williams - in case it hasn't been picked up by your intellectual radar, the majority of people in this country now avoid the Church of England like the plague... which means that you now speak for almost none of us. Please bear that in mind the next time your intellect decides to meddle with British politics.

grev, Brighton, UK

I have just read all 244 comments on Rowan William's support of Sharia in today's paper. Could all 244 readers of the Times be wrong? It's high time for the Archbishop to seek treatment for his mental and spiritual condition.

San Ying, Montreal, Canada QC

I will be writing directly to the Church of England to call for Dr Williams' resignation. If we all make the effort to contact the Church personally and let them know exactly what we think of this bizarre and delusional behaviour, they may understand exactly how much Dr Williams is damaging the Church and creating divisions in society.

K. La Velle, WA, Australia

The archbishop is wrong. I say this because I am British but more importantly I am Sikh and as such I believe that those who choose to live in this country of liberties - freedom of speech, healthcare, education, lack of repression etc - should abide by the laws that enable those same liberties. Allowing those who enjoy the liberties but who then spit it back in the faces of those who uphold democracy is a mockery of everything I stand for and would be damned if any other type of law was to be allowed to govern this country. Fundamentally everybody in this country is equal, therefore everybody should abide by the same law. Those who come to this country and believe otherwise are severly deluded and should not be allowed to be here. I practise my religion which is different to the state but I am thankful that I have the oppourtunity to have the freedoms that this country allows, I suggest that others should follow suit.

Satnam Singh Surae, York, North Yorkshire

"This country is going to hell in a handbasket. Spineless politicians who crave the ethnic vote and Church leaders who haven't a clue about Islam's real aims. It's time to emigrate"

Tony, Acton, UK


Good thinking Tony, I already have!!

neal, Sydney, Aus

You want Sharia Law? Go and live in Saudi Arabia.

Guy, Hong Kong, PRC

Implementing Sharia law in Britain would not be a bad idea. We should all ask ourselves one question "why would a Archbishop talk about implementing Sharia Law in Britain"?. Maybe he is amazed by the way Sharia law operates, as a fact Sharia Law does not encourage Lawlessness. And the world today has become so lawless that many relegious leaders are ashamed of what is happeneing to its people.

Lets not get the wrong idea about Sharia Law, it teaches and encourages equal rights for men and women. Maybe those who have the wrong idea about Sharia Law should get to know about it more than to Blah about something they dont know.

If there is no Law to bring lawlessness to a halt, then Sharia law maybe the best to help stamp out it.

This world is too wicked, time for changes

Rohit Singh, Dehli, India

He's the absolute personification of the old dippy-hippy, mindless liberalism which is at the root of our national spinelessness and decadence. He and his ilk are now grotesquely OUT OF TOUCH

Chris Thomas, Oxford, England

I was under the impression the Archbishop had a reputation for challenging orthodoxy--not for instigating foreign auto da fe's within his own country... because that will be next.

When Bernard Lewis wrote "Clash of Civilizations" I had no idea the clash would shift from one between Modernity and religious intolerance-terrorism to one of cooperating ideological intolerances.

Brilliant! Bring on the public stonings!

Elan Durham, Santa Monica, CA/US

I am surprise that someone like the archbishop is suggesting that the law of the country can be replaced by religous law for a sector of the British? May we ask hm whether every other religion can do the same? God help him!

KCTan, london,

As head of the Anglican Church does the Queen have the constitutional authority to remove Mr. Williams?

Mark, Chicago, USA

The Archbishop was obviously being cautious in the first lecture.

He should have advocated the complete solution with secular law (for athiests), Sharia law (for Muslims) and The Inquisition (for Christians).

I know The Inquisition is a Catholic thing but he is so keen to build bridges between different faith groups that he should not find that a problem.

It is lucky that I know that there are no gods in the real world so I'm subject to secular law.

Ian, Solihull,

I'm not really sure whether Williams is naive or very very clever???

The complete backlash to his comments has spurred such a debate on the future of this country and a huge lurch to the right.

Maybe there is be a God after all....

chris, truro,

I have forwarded this article to a friend in Manchester. My only question is "Is this true? Has the man lost his senses?"
What's next? Public stoning in Trafalgar Square?

Steve, Tulsa, USA

One of the main reasons why some nations claim a high degree of civilization is the fact that there is only one law for everyone. Mr Williams, under a banner of tolerance and modernity, advocates going back to medieval practices. Quite absurd!

Nino Correa, Bangkok, Thailand

Just confirms what I have suspected for a long time, the lunatics have taken over the asylum! Not only are the Government and politicians totally out of touch with the public, it appears church leaders are too! It's no surprise many Brits are emigrating by the boatload, there will be a few thousand more due to views of the Archbishop! Where will it all end?

R.B., Leicester,

Since the article gave little detail about what Dr Williams actually said, I thought I ought to listen to the BBC interview and read the speech (both are readily available on the net). Not many of those quoted in the article or commenting on it seem to have done the same. It isn't easy reading I grant, but Dr Williams is an academic and it is not an easy topic to distil into soundbites. Some of the views attributed to him by inference in the article are either ignorantly or mischievously untrue. E.g. Dr Williams doesn't say that British law would not have priority under a "supplementary" (NB not parallel or separate) jurisdiction. He says explicitly that it would. It's ironic that the rush to comment by those who evidently haven't read what Dr Williams actually said seems to confirm Sheikh Ibrahim's fear. What sort of society is it where reasoned comment is howled down?

James, Hong Kong, China

I cannot believe what Williams has said. Has he no sense? Clearly it is time for the Queen to remove this trouble maker. I am visiting Londonistan this summer and I dread to see what has happened to my country since I emigrated 50 years ago. I understand that Bradford now has wall-to-wall mosques. Jack Straw, my fellow graduate of the University of Leeds must stand up and demonstrate leadership. It is our British Law and Culture that put the 'Great' in Great Britain and governed 25 % of this planet, including most of the Moslem countries.

Henry Alken, Streator, Illinois, USA

His comments are based on the FACT that Britain now no longer has a Christian culture or value. I see many minorities struggling to assimilate and are unable to find a decent value in our youths and peoples to cling to. So, not entirely suprised, really. Just another step towards the moral and religious decline i see. We need to stop deluding ourselves; stop being shocked. I would be ashamed and shocked if this man were my religious leader but again, given where we are at the moment, i feel nothing but sadness.

Annie, Cambridge, UK

Those sort of ludicrous comments and pc theories are a big part of the reason I have become disillusioned with a future life for me in England and helped me decided to move abroad myself. All hail Australia!!!

Lazlo Woodbine, Sydney,

If he was now to face death threats from Christians, would these be explained away on the grounds of disaffection, poverty and anger over Saudi and Iranian policies?

Nick Beard, Rotherham, UK

I am A Muslim and I am of the opinion that the Muslims went to UK for a better economic life and not as missionaries. At present Sharia law is not in conformity with the dictates of time due to subjective interpretations. In addition the obtaining geo strategic milieu does not permit that Muslims to initiate fresh demands in predominant Chritian or liberal societies that are likely to become controvercial or incite fresh hatred, thus making poor muslims targets of violence. A muslim can observe his religion and practice it anywhere. A good Muslim should not be a subject of hatred but a quitessence of virtue. I think that we the muslims must reform our ways in accordance with virtual teachings of Islam and be models for others to be followed and not objects of ridicule.

Gulzar Khan, islamabad, pakistan

I think its a great idea. Sharia Law has been such a huge success in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Somalia. Now, where did I put my medication?

james, Melbourne,

The Archbishop is deluded. Sharia law goes against human decency is all its forms and has no place in a civilized society. In Australia we of course have Muslim communities and they in the most part have assimilated well inspite of the hatred heaped on them by the now deposed former Prime Minister John Howard. The Archbishop of Canterbury should really take a cold shower, resign and join one of his chuches enclosed orders.

Barry Everingham, Melbourne, Australia

If Sharia Law is permitted in the UK, could the last person to leave the country please turn out the light............the beginning of the end.

Alli, Glasgow,

Dear Lord...What has become of the England we have grown to love

These people are here for a better life....not for us to change our way of life to please them. Indeed their desire is that we should change and embrace barbaric law.

Pity the Primate cannot find anything more to say. What about the Christian gospel. What aboit the message that made our nation great.

stephentoone, Wakefield, yorks

Dr Williams position is now untenable and he should resign immediately. During his leadership the church has sunk to its lowest position ever and this is just another example of his madness.

David, Brisbane, Australia

one other point I feel I should mention , we are in a big enough mess with the laws we have without taking on any more , we cannot understand the way the lawcourts handle our laws never mind a muslim law

Alex Farquhar, Edinburgh, UK

Does the Archbishop really believe that Sharia law operates on a pick ' mix level? Opting for a nice "fluffy" C of E form of Sharia law whilst having nothing to do with the amputations, stoning to death etc. that is Sharia law. He really should listen to his own bishops when they say that some Muslim areas of Britain are unsafe for Christians and non-Muslims to live and work in.

Bill, Garstang, England

I think he should be encouraged to take early retirement. The position of Head of the Church of England should be given to someone who has more common sense.

Kevin Herbert, Greater Manchester, UK

On what planet does Dr.Williams live? Sharia law for England, please get real and stop trying to justify your outrageous statement by claiming that Jews and Roman Catholics have their own laws. That may well be the case but they are NOT the laws of England.
The sooner this man departs and the Church of England have a Leader and I mean a Leader the better.
It is little wonder that the church which he heads is a failing church and perphas the sooner a schism occurs the better. After all did not the Church of England come into existence under similar circumstances?

SKIDMORE, YORK, ENGLAND

No wonder congregations of C0fE are dwindling. We look to the Archbishop for a clear Christian message and hear this woolly-minded, appeasement-based twaddle. Can you imagine the head of the Catholic Church in Britain giving out this sort of thing?
Can't the Archbishop see that things we have in common are things that draw us closer. If every religion, interest group and sect can use the defence of 'our own religious laws' then mayhem follows. The one thing all people living in Britain must have in common is the agreement that we will be governed by the democratically decided rule of law.
This latest gaffe by the Archbishop is a recipe for a divided nation. Shame on him.

Anna Clements, Hastings,

I suggest that the Archbishop takes ealy retiremeny as soon as possible to Iraq or Iran, he is an absolute disgrace to this country.

P Sharples, Bury, Lancashire

Enough! Enough enough and enough! It is about time Britons and other Europeans stand up, shake off their natural reserve and fear of causing offence or appearing racist and call a spade a spade. That means shouting out as loudly as possible that Western civilisation, with its Christian roots and heritage, is the best thing that has happened to the world ever in spite of horrors such as the Inquisition, (alleged) over excessive cautiousness in dealing with Nazism during the Holocaust and other historical misdeeds blamed on the West. And that also means telling the Archbishop of Canterbury to sod off. Furthermore, in the light of the current outrage over muslim honour killings, I find the timing of his comments both incredible and a disgrace. Is he not aware, as can be seen from my own angered reaction, that such controversial views at this time threaten to condition even moderates to treating ordinary harmless muslims with wariness and suspicion? Enough foolishness!

mark, Swieqi, Malta

MADNESS! I'm telling you as an asian brit that once we get on this slope then thats it for this country! Dr Rowan Williams IS AN IDIOT, does he believe that the law should be based on religious beliefs? If so you'll have every faith from here to timbuktoo demanding they be governed by their own particular set of laws. The rule of rules generally states one law for all and all governed by that one law. Once again Dr Rowan Williams you are an idiot. People like you are sending this country down the gutter! Also we already make enough concessions to the muslims in this country, NO MORE!

Gurj Rai, Derby, u.k

Separate prisons?

Martin Pilcher, Herts,

Dr. Williams has demonstrated that he is not fit for purpose and do the honourable thing.

P Whateley, Coventry, UK

Why hasn't the 'Muslim Council of Britain' chipped in with a soundbite? They're normally first in line.

mount, dorset, gb

Once again Rowan Williams abuses his position by trying to influence the Political map of Britain despite him being a leader of a minority group. He is so out of touch with the majority of British people I am now not surprised by his RIDICULOUS comments. If he isn't teaming up with radicals to preach hate towards gay people he is now condoning a system that treats women as second class (however moderate muslims would have it spun), thereby undoing hundreds of years of progress and development for enhancement of rights. Why is Britain so obsessed with pandering to Islam, a concession here a concession there, when will it stop? If you live in Britain abide by the law of the land not a barbaric, outdated backward religious code. If an American lobies hard enough can we tweak the legal syetm to try them by American law here? Islamists want to and have killed Britiish people in such a pursuit, we should not give in but defend our system even more. You want Sharia? Move to Saudi.

Richard, London,

This is moral and cultural relativism taken to its extreme limits. Rowan Williams is calling for a pick-and-mix approach to the rule of law which will lead to chaos and the end of our civilisation if implemented. The C of E should now be disestablished, and while we are waiting for parliament to enact this, Williams should be sacked immediately. Full marks to Brown, Cameron and Clegg for denouncing him promptly and decisively.

Bob, London,

"Introducing Sharia law for civil matters"...

Contemplate: (from Dawood's translation of the Koran published by Penguin:

Ch4 WOMEN
"4:1 ...marry two, three, four...or any slave girls you may own"
"4:5 Do not give the feeble minded [i.e. women] any property...but give them good advice"
4:5 cont. "A male shall inherit twice as much as a female..."

The world would be a much better place (especially for women) if certain countries introduced Civil law for Sharia matters!

Connor, London,

Williams need's to go!

Phill , The Wirral, England

GeoffH, Cumbria - I agree with your post except for one thing. Painful as it is to say this, it appears that the Brits do deserve this. The greatest modern nation and empire has self destructed from within due to socialism and moral relativism. Two generations is all it took to create a country where 25% think that the great Churchill was a myth, and 50% think Richard Lionheart never existed.

You voted for the idiotic leaders who created this disaster, not the rest of the world. It is to weep.

Perhaps Britain's last great contribution to the world will be as an example of what happens with this type of suicidal policies of immigration and social management, and give the rest of the Western world a chance to save itself.

Barry, Vancouver, Canada

Dumbest idea I ever heard. You can't please all of the people all of the time. Then can we please the majority at least? Sharia law needs to fade off in the muslim world; nevermind adopting it here for heaven's sake.

And I thought the muslim calls to prayer were all we had to worry about. Perhaps next all street signs will have to be in Arabic and Urdu as well as English.

If someone belongs to a faith that requires him/her to decapitate people and shrink their heads, I'm sure nobody would be falling over themselves to accommodate such beliefs. And yet...

PS: I'm a British Arab.

Ali, London,

will no one rid us of this meddlesome priest?

N pagett, telford, uk

Rowan Williams has not apparently noticed that Islam is a prosytelising religion, actively seeking converts - so start Sharia Law in this country and where will it end? Already we have heard from the more militant the wish to 'raise the black flag' over Downing Street. Will we have to set up 'stoning centres' and fill the already overcrowded waiting lists for operations with 'elective amputations'?

TSA, Leeds,

surely one nation- one law system

Rev Mr. Mark B Stagg, Stratford, Canadda

I despair at the leadership of Rowan Williams. As a practising Anglican, I have watched the sad decline of the Church of England, in no small part due to weak leadership and them trying to be all things to all people. The hierarchy have lost sight of the doctrine of the Christian faith and the bible they as supposed to advocate by trying to bend over backwards not to upset anybody least of all our Muslim brothers/sisters. This is the United Kingdom and the laws that have been passed by Statute should apply to everyone without exception whatever their faith. If people want to live and be judged by Sharia law they should live in a country which practises this system not expect their adopted country to change to suit their needs. I don't even think the main part of the Asian community want this so where did Rowan Williams dream this up from? Give us some real leadership. Stand up for what we believe in to enable the Church of England to speak to people of the real Christian message

Heather Shackleton, Skipton, UK

Sharia doesn't do fairness to women.It doesn't do it anywhere in the world.
There is nothing to stop people from seeking the advice and guidance of any person of their choice BUT civil British law
must trump any such religious agreements as must our European laws on human rights.

Sam, Maidstone, UK

My letter to the Arch Bishop as follows
PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE ON TO DR ROWAN WILLIAMS:

YOU QUOTED "The commitments of the Communion are not only to certain theological positions on the question of sexual ethics, but also to a manifest and credible respect for the proper liberties of homosexual people..."

Dear Archbishop Rowan Williams

"......Please stop endorsing other faiths in Great Britain and concentrate on your own first. You are in a high position in God's good church, and yet you continue to abuse your position, putting your own personal beliefs before Gods'. You are in danger of turning good christians against you if you continue in your quest to upset the nation. Sharia law is totally unacceptible in our predominantly Christian country and I am deeply disappointed in you...."

s hamilton, West Sussex, Sussex

I just can't believe how naive Dr Williams the Arc Bishop is.
What does he think why many Muslims in Islamic Countries do not want this 7th century Arabian based laws being implemented in their land .
Does he not realise that his statement embolden Muslims in Britain to pressurize to implement Sharia Law, just like Muslims in Canada .
He must listen to the Bishop of Rochester The Right Reverend Dr Michael Nazir-Ali rather then the Muslims council and their "scholars"
Dr Michael Nazir-Ali is more informed about real Islam than Dr Williams who apparently is influenced by PC and Multiculturalism.
British Muslims are more fanatic compare to say most Indonesians or Turkey.
Turkey ban head scarf while here in Britain Muslims leader encourage women to cover their body completely. They also refused to implement the hygienic practice in the medical profession.
It seem tolerant for British Muslims means one side only which is in favor of Muslims demand.
No one can criticise Islam and Muslims no matter how ridiculous their demand are.
If their demand is not met, then they start accusing non Muslims government as racist.
They will not rest untill Britain become Islamic Country. Which is their goal (Allah cause).

Regards
Bukitdago

Bukitdago, London.,

Another liberal fool playing into the hands of Bin Laden and other religious facist fundamentalists who want to take civilisation back to the dark ages.
The need in this country is quite the opposite of what he suggests. We need to push back against the medieval inhumane ignorance of islam and reclaim our country from those who are determined to replace reason, democracy and science with religeous ignorance.
Oh! for a politician or party that understands how strongly people in this country are feeling about this slow slide to disaster.

Gary, London, UK

The Archbishop’s comments are as bizarre as they are reckless. He’ll be suggesting next the Poles, Chinese, Turks etc have their own court system in England. This is Christian England and our legal system has been refined and developed over hundreds of years since the Magna Carta. Many, including the European Court of Human Rights, consider the punishments prescribed by Sharia (in Iran, Saudi, Nigeria, Afganistan etc) as being barbaric and cruel. Any adoption of Sharia law in the UK would be a step back into the stone age.

Michael, Thames Ditton, Surrey

Serious miscalculation on his part.

There isn't a stick big enough to beat this clown with. - well perhaps there is is Saudi Arabia.

Of course, he isn't really concerned about Sharia law - and his reference to the same is disingenous,

This is really about religious "authorities" of various denominations unable to handle with the constraints that centuries of reasoned jurisprudence have put on the superstitious lunacy of peddlers of mumbo-jumbo.

The good news is that the more rubbish he spouts, the less of a platform he gets in the long run.

Damian, Manchester,

As a Christian myself i think The Archbishop of Canterbury should concentrate on the falling numbers of church goers no wonder Christianity is losing ground to other religions when the head of the Church of England is more interested in defending other religions than his own. It's amazing how interested he is in an issue that the muslim community itself did not think as a priority. He should be thinking more about the Christians in muslim countries who are killed or hunted.

Hughes , London,

Surely this is enough to convince everyone that all religions are delusionary and dangerous

paul goggins, glasgow, scotland

Why can't idiots like this just shut their oversized gobs and get on with life. Busybodies like Rowan Williams should be stoned publicly by British and Muslims alike. It is people like this that manufacture the problems.

Raymog, Forest Row, East Sussex

Absolutely outrageous.Anyone who comes to England to better themselves should be made to feel welcome.By bettering themselves I mean people who want to fit in with us, people who want to respect our laws, democracy and our culture.Many Muslims are continuously trying to force their culture into our daily lives, albeit quietly and bit at a time. The fact that they do not approve of the way we live our lives in this country does not give them any right to try and change it. I am sure there are countries in the world like Pakistan and many others where these people would be welcome and happy, after all they may already have Sharia Law, they shoud go there and leave us alone.

Trevor, Birmingham, England

It is a shame that the Archbishop has decided to stir up controversy in this manner. Against my better judgment I must admit the man has not in fact gone totally barking but instead has deliberately engineered a backlash against a dual law system that will never exist just to bring people flocking towards the Christian church in a blind panic.
The law is based on what we hold sacred as human beings, religion stole this sacredness and claimed it falsely as its own.

Matt Hayden, Cardiff, Wales

Dr Williams has brought an important public office into utter disrepute by his astonishingly ill advised remarks.

Would we consider asking Saudi Arabia (Sharia) to accommodate UK nationals living there by allowing UK law to apply just to them? As and when it suited them? I'd love to hear their response. Neither should we permit alternative - and necessarily conflicting - legal systems in this country.

This is not a matter of religious conviction, but of the legal independence of sovereign states. We may not approve of other states' legal systems, but we must accept that we are bound by them when in those countries. The same has to apply here. There can only ever be one rule of law.

Lex dur sed lex

Bob H, Sonning, Berks

I think that the Archbishop is 100% totally wrong.
Anyone who wants Sharia law or doesn't want UK law should go to where he can get it.
Open the door one inch to the Muslim religion and we will be lost
in this country.
The Archbishop should resign today.

David, London,

I don't understand why people are feeling so much hot under the collar regarding Sharia law. it is nothing to do with other people. Sharia law is entirely a personal matter for the Muslims and is only applied where people wish their affair to be settled and judged according to Shariah. It is irrelevant whether Britain or any other country incorporates it or not . Practicing believing Muslims will always ensure that their personal affairs are settled according to Shariah. The practicing Muslims hardly go to court of any country to sort out personal disputes where Shariah needs to be applied. It is a part of faith. It is already in practice wherever they live. people from UK or any other country who live in Muslim countries don't have sharia law applied in their personal affairs like marriage, divorce or inheritance. it is only applied to Muslims.

Dr I A Khan, London, UK

My worry is now the "blow-back" principle. This is the only ammunition needed for the fundamentalists to react if the Archbishop's suggestions are not adopted. Too late to retract Your Grace. You have put the lives of ordinary people at real risk.

luciano ventrone, london,

Well ,His Grace has finally gone and lost the plot.He is advocating a sort of "pick and mix" legal system,and that is such an obvious nonsnse.I feel sorry for those Anglican clergyman out in the parishes who might have to explain this claptrap to us less intellectually gifted individuals-where would you start?You are a buffoon,sir, and you have just proved it.

John Bennett, Exeter,Devon, England

As a Christian in Britain I am astounded to hear the archbishops comments but to be honest it is a wake up call to most of Britian` s Christian community. The saying you dont know what youve lost till its gone is true ,but despite all .Jesus is still Lord and He is coming back to judge the living and the dead and His Kingdom will have no end

janet, Barrow in Furness, England

i m not sure the exact context of the archbishops comments,but its good to see the americans come out guns blazing.If the pope can be critised for some antislamic comments ,dr willians is now cricticised for what could be construed as pro islamic posturing..why not just scare the c and e by threatning to convert to catholism which is after all the realfaith(in my opinion anyway).

cath o'licke, bath,

How much longer are we going to allow ourselves to be too embarrassed to stand up for our oun religion? We already have areas where Christmas is not allowed, for fear of upsetting our ethnic minorities and now the A. of C. is asking for our laws to be belittled. This is a Christian country - immigrants realise that and should be prepared to accept that also- if truth be told most ethnic minorities are more than happy to accept our ways. I do not propose that we should not be prepared to make allowances for other religions, though I have yet to see that many of them make allowances for ours, but that we should not loose our identity, and beliefs, in the rush to assimilate other cultures.

Helen, Blandford Fprum,

So very sad to see the decline of what was once a truly "Great" Britain. Can you IMAGINE an Archbishop of the WWII generation even conceiving of such dangerous nonsense?

Great Britain is a Christian nation, in culture, identity and values. Sorry, but it is NO COINCIDENCE that her greatest years and triumphs transpired BEFORE the country, monarchy and church started to get all secular and PC.

Stop apologizing for being a Christian nation!

And, you, Mr. Williams, would be far better to spend your time DEFENDING Christians from the malignant spread of those Mulsims who seek to smother Christian culture; It is in no small part, due to secular apologists like you, that people can no longer proudly and without fear of reprisal, celebrate Christmas and Easter as they once did.


With leaders like you, why should the Muslim activists even bother to recruit? You do their work for them, while stubbornly refusing to uphold and defend the traditions that made England so great.

Narcissa, Las Vegas, Nevada USA

Both Luther and Calvin were strongly of the opinion that marriage had little to do with the church and that secular courts should be the adjudicator in such matters. Both were scathing of the abuses of marriage by the church and this was, in part, one of the springboards of the reformation and counter reformation. And it wasn't until the Hardwicke Act of 1753 that there was any need to get married in a church. So we've had a 250 year experiment and should accept its findings: no church, protestant or any other, should have any influence on marriage.

Our good doctor should consider history before pontificating.

It is high time that marriage returned to being a civil contract between two people.

Derek Smith, Brighton, UK

The Archbishop used Jewish Law regarding (for example) divorce. Unfortunately he has got things back to front. Jewish Law recognises only it's own divorce (a Get). However, a Civil Divorce is also required in order for both parties to legally remarry in this country.

Jewish Law does not prevent polygomy for men, but as this country does not permit it, a Jewish man who has only a Civil Divorce in this country can then remarry in synagogue. However a Jewish woman who has only a Civil Divorce cannot remarry in synagogue and her ex-husband can refuse to give her a Get. If she remarried in a register office, that marriage would not be recognised by the synagogue and any children she had from that subsequent marriage would be viewed illigitimate by the synagogue.

The bottom line is that the laws of the land take precidence over religious law. If the ex-wife wants to remarry in synagogue she would have to get the issuing of a Get put into her Civil Divorce (as I did to remarry)

Tora Roat-Moye, Ipswich, England

I have no doubt that if Dr Rowan Williams was invited to go into the Temple to turn over the tables, he would simply wipe them over with a damp cloth before returning to his studies.

Theo Nelson, South Hams,

Don't worry people - it isn't going to happen. Why? Because any politician who tries to bring this in will know that his/her Party will be routed at the next election (may of course get a good proportion of Muslim votes - but that hardly matters). I'm surprised at Dr Williams. He should listen to the legal expert who was on PM at 5PM on the BBC today (7/2) - sharia law is against the Human Rights legislation as well as being against the Rule of Law. Williams should concentrate on his Bible and holy books and leave government and the laws to the state. There are good reasons for separating Church from the State - we've just seen and heard one of them from Williams's discussion of sharia. Incidentally there is nothing inevitable about anything - we have choices.

Dr Ian Burgess, Bristol,

Islam is a peaceful religion; there are certain little groups within communities whom choose not to follow what Islam teaches but rather their own opinion, and in doing so this gives a false impression on people whom have little or no knowledge of Islam. A Muslim by no means is from a certain culture or background. ‘ALAN WILSON’ the people who follow the Sharia Law are called “Muslims”, and secondly are not all visitors in this country. Islam is a religion, NOT a culture or nationality! I personally have many friends who have converted from Christianity to ISLAM. People who want to criticize the Islamic law, first look at the British law and ask yourselves…. Would you want your children to grow up in a place where self respect and respect for others is on the increase or the decrease? Please don’t be a hypocrite and attack what you do not know, instead research and analyze!

Junaid, Blackburn, Lancashire

Unbelievable. I've always respected Williams but this is simply unacceptable. We have one of the best legal systems in the world. It is not simply the product of our culture and heritage it is part of our culture and heritage. Anyone living in Britain should be bound by our laws and, therefore, should be subject to the institutions that interpret those laws.

To create a parallel legal system is to invite division, disunity and even civil unrest. I can't believe that this is Williams' intention but I am confident that it would be the effect.

leo, Melbourne, Australia

Its past time we applied this law to Muslims.

After all, they wouldn't get away with behaving the way they behave in Britain in their own countries.

We catch them stealing, cut their hands off.

Adultery? Stone them. Murder? Sentence them to death.

Roll on Sharia law.

Henry Adams, Manchester, UK

I have always taken the view that each person is entitled to their own opinion as to religion, morality and personal beliefs provided they do not affect or harm another person who does not have the same opinion or belief but the Archbishop of Canterbury has made me fear for my future, my childrens' future and my grandchild. What is he trying to do, appease other faiths by ingratiating himself to them? Would the same view be taken in a Muslim country that they should adopt UK law, I think not. I was born C of E and my daughter is due to be married in church soon but these comments have raised my concerns even more. I just do not understand why Muslims or any other faiths want to live here if they do not like the system. We must have something that makes them want to be here. I wonder what that could be!!!!!

Helen F, Worthing , UK

"absolute insanity...england is a christian country and will stay that way...any change to this will happen over my dead body!

john dwyer, londontown"

Yes, that's the problem.

Next they'll tell you "this won't happen without a referendum"

Drew Sullivan, Saratoga,, California

Atkinson is an absolute embarassment and disgrace to bible believing and nominal Christians alike. His comments are unbelievable and totally unacceptable. No wonder the Church of England is considered "half baked". The revolting of nature Sharia law has no place in any democracy. It is sheer madness for the Archbishop to embrace a law which endorses stoning,execution and so much cruelty. In these days when Christian values, on which many of the laws of this great country were founded, are being eroded to accommodate the demands of muslims and THEIR rights, THEIR needs and THEIR desires, we need to take stock and call a halt to the "political correctness "madness that seems to have engulfed us. Let us not fling open the floodgates. If muslims can't stand the laws of the land, they're free to leave and reside in an islamic state. What next Mr Atkinson?.... your endorsement of a muslim "command" to silence the church bells and have the prayer call all over the land? Enough!!

Dee, London,

Is this April 1st?
I find the Archbishop's comments absolutely unbelievable. Not only is he effectively admitting that Britain is slowly being overcome by the insidious advance of Islam, but his comments appear to betray a lack of comprehension of his role as the leader of England's church. Doesn't he have regard for the values, beliefs and concerns of the great majority in this country? Does he no longer have the courage of his (supposed) convictions?
Compare Rowan Williams' comments to the comments made by another Church of England bishop, Michael Nazir-Ali, who after speaking openly of his concern that there are no-go areas for non-Muslims in this country, has since received death threats. Presumably those threats would be overlooked or even condoned by a Sharia court.
To anyone out there who might be thinking that Rowan Williams' comments are representative of all Christians - I can tell you they are not. Please don't make the mistake of thinking all Christians are like him!

Keith, LIverpool, UK

I think he is perfectly right. What a brave man he must be to illustrate his feelings in such a manner.
Britain should be open to such proposals and will only help to further the knowledge base of low-minded, uneducated British 'yobs'.

William, Copenhagen, Denmark

This foolish man is typical of the appeasers who have allowed, even encouraged, Islam to spread it's influence in this country. Don't like our laws or custom? No problem, we'll change them! You're polygamous? No problem - claim state benefits for all your wives! Polygamy may be against UK law but the Koran takes precedence.

This country is going to hell in a handbasket. Spineless politicians who crave the ethnic vote and Church leaders who haven't a clue about Islam's real aims. It's time to emigrate.

Tony, Acton, UK

Jewish law for jewish people has been in this country for over 100 years.

jayil, london, uk

Good grief. Should we just hand over the keys to the country and be done with it? If it isn't fundamentalist dogma it's Europe.

Australia is starting to look tempting...

Ross Liversidge, Ripon, UK

Mr Williams should resign. Someone who behaves like an idiot, most often is an idiot.

Peter, Brussels,

Even though I do not think that Sharia Law should be seriously considered for implementation in the UK, despite being a Muslim, I think people should read the article properly. I have attended Dr Williams lecture 7th Feb.08 and (as far as I remember) he never said Sharia Law should be implemented as a parallel legal system, let alone as a substitute for the current criminal law. I would urge people to actually read what they are looking at and before getting furious and insulting the CoE leader, whether or not they are members of the CoE have respect for, not only Dr R Williams but for every one. Hating each other has never and will never help to make any given situation better.

Naheed G., London, UK

It is heartening to read most of the response to the Archbishop’s bizarre and dangerous comments. If you want to let your MP know how you feel (like I did) you will find the e-mail at (http://www.parliament.uk/directories/hciolists/alcm.cfm). Lets stop the Archbishop’s madness before it goes any further.

Michael, Thames Ditton, Surrey

Crazy crazy. These days, Britain seems to be extending all kinds of hospitality towards everyone but the indigenous British themselves. No wonder more and more people are quitting the UK in utter despair.

Colin Cumner, Adelaide, South Australia

... religion has obviously affected his thought process ... or more likely - he only believes in religion because his thought process is flawed ... what an idiot !!!

Steven, London/Edinburgh, UK

The extremist and marginal notions held by the Archbishop are incompatible with his office. He must resign.

Jack, Channel Islands,

Stoning to death of gay men?? Looks like the Archbishop had better get a recruitment drive going as there will not be many pastors/vicars/priests left. We have laws in Britain, they are called British laws, don't want to give it away but the clue is the word British.

Matt, Mids, UK

"I have always thought the Archbishop of Canterbury was a sound religious thinker, but I now have real doubts"

I always thought the man was nuts, bring back Robert Runcie.

Chris Kenney, High Wycombe, Bucks

Since when did British Law become racist, and allow double standards based on someone's beliefs? If you live in Britain, and enjoy the freedoms our laws provide, then you should also abide by them. Perhaps I could start a new religion where theft is legal, and help myself to a brand new car without having to pay for it? Or decide that I have to walk around naked for 6 weeks of the year as my God dictates?

This is complete insanity. I'm all for diversity in our culture, but not at the expense of our cultures legal system.

Jon, Altrincham, Cheshire

I think everyone agrees that he lost the plot on this issue.

The only matter to decide is whether he is fit to be the Archbishop of Cneterbury.

I think he should go.

Will someone rid us of this turbulent priest?

Mark, Newcastle, England

Law is Law!! And religion is fundamentally flawed at every level. Keep them separate. If it is Sharia law they want well they know where they can go. And as for the Archbishop well I for certain think he seriously needs to re-think his position as head of the Christian faith, with comments like that his position is almost untenable!!

Disgusted

Dave George

Dave George, Redditch, UK

Time to return to Rome!
Haven't you had enough?
I suggest after that sending the Papal Nuncio to Canterbury with a group of Swiss Guards with really large boots with Rowan's name stamped on them.

M, Milwaukee, USA

This man is not a Christian but a traitor. How can a Archbishop of a Christian church call for sharia law? He must be out of his mind thinking he is clever - shame on him!

Gerhard, Gravesend, Kent

Please Mr Williams,in my dictionary the word community means a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage. People chosing to opt out of the National Community by creating their seperate community need to have a seperate government to create and uphold their laws.They would in doing so create their own country.....whats wrong with the country they left in the first place??

Dean, Spain,

Has anyone mentioned to this 'great' liberal intellect that under sharia law he would be stoned to death for being a Christian!

Oh well, time to seriously think about emigrating as, a liberal myself, I do seriously worry about what it will be like living in the UK in 20 or 30 years time. It seems the politically correct naive are intent on marching us all back into the Dark Ages where Women had no rights and where Free Thinkers are murdered! A tad like extreme forms of modern Islam!

Jan C, Swansea,

i think there is nothing wrong in what Dr William suggested. most of you are looking it froma very biased and un-informed opinion. i think it will even be good in some way for the British social evils as well. i beleive sharia law implimentation in the right spirit is the answer to most of the social suffering and dis-integration of current day world.

zakir, London, UK

I'm just decided that I'm an adherent of a religion I choose to call ... lets say... 'Wibble' - the main tenet of of which dictates that I must run naked down the high street of my home town in the direction of the setting sun every evening, throwing peanut butter at unbelievers as I go. Under the current law, I'd be arrested for Breach of the Peace, Indecent Exposure, and perhaps Assault. But what if there was 'Wibble Law?'..... hmmmm.

There is one Law in this country, at least if you're not a politician. There isn't room for another one. Time for the mad Archbishop to resign and find somewhere safe and quiet to spend the night..

Andrew Fernie, Hamilton, Scotland

Rowan Williams should stick to CofE matters and let the Muslim community fight it’s own corner. He may, for instance, consider speaking up against the repressive conditions that Christians and other non-Muslim face in Muslim countries, not least because his Muslim counterparts have no intention of raising half a finger on these issues.

Steve, London,

Please !! PC GONE MAD !! when in Rome !!

Nigel
New Newzealand

Nigel Cooper, Auckland, New Zealand

If the Archbishop is right, there's no hope for believers and non-believers alike, so I'll continue to believe he's a well meaning but dangerous fool.

Andrew Waldron, Bournemouth, UK

what happens if I have a conflict with a muslim in an area of law that is covered by sharia law as well as British law.

Am i then supposed to accept the ruling of a sharia "court" or do they have to give up the sharia law.

I am Cof E but seriously considering Catholicism, the CoE stands for nothing British anymore and now the Archbishop is doing his best to undermine even further British culture and institutions

p phillips, london,

I am an Episcopalian in America and The Archbishop is the head of our church also. Is he kidding me with this? I have
struggled with the idea of leaving the church because of the crackpot ideologies coming out of the powers that be. This ridiculous and, I think, insulting view from Mr. Williams might just be the icing on the cake.

annette, dallas, USA, texas

The man is clearly mad - we live in the 21st century, not the 12th. If you live in a country, you live by its rules - and I don't remember stoning and other appalling human rights travesties being part of 21st century Britain? Or have I missed something?

Rona Hunnisett, Croydon, UK

Last time I checked the UK was a Western country with a legal system based on rational and due processes. The man seems to have gone absolutely mental. Any muslim who wants to live according to Shira law and outside the UK law is very welcome to move to the appropriate country.

Charlotte, London, United Kingdom

I think you should be removed from office immediately!! You are disgrace, have you forgotten that you represent the Christian population of this Christian country.
I would rather see a civil war here than submit to sharia law!!!!!!!
You should be condemning these Muslim imports not aiding and abetting them.
I expect your pronouncement will be a very good recruiting sergeant for the BNP i repeat BNP so I expect you are pleased with your self.

Bill Bratty, Gloucester, England

err, no, we should be a secular state...I dont agree with the CoE so why the hell would I want Sharia law as well, if people want to live in a non-secular islamic state they have plenty to choose from

J,, Poole, UK

No disrespect but the mans 'ga ga' what planet is he on.
Don't worry he EU won't allow it.

mike cassidy, oxford, england

I think people in this country are going stark raving mad.
Is the Archbishop not the highest person of Christendom in this country and yet is preaching the rights of Islam?
Could you imagine the Ayatollah speaking of such things in favour of Christianity or Judaism?

Christianity is very much under siege in the UK and the rest of the World by Islam.

This nonsensical outburst by the Archbishop shows his true allegiance in this country and therefore should be excommunicated immediately and convert to the Islamic Faith.

The thought of giving Muslims the right to live by different laws within our country is not only absurd but will also spark extreme anger from the British Public. I for one am incensed by this. I am incensed that Britain is turning into a "Come and live here and do whatever you choose to but when you go to our country you must respect OUR way of life".

Mark, Dying Britain,

it's the thin edge of the wedge, rowan! where is your st george patrotism? how much shrift does british or american law get in saudi arabia?

you are the first archbishop of canterbury that i've really hated for your cruel and devious disapprobation of gay people. it's not the english way!

Barney, Beunos Aires,

This sort of nonsense is yet another example of rot in our society coming from the middle class.Sharia is vile,vile,vile.let us have no more said on the matter.

brian, kidderminster, uk

The Archbishop is only talking about applying Sharia to a small number of culturally relevant issues such as abortion, divorce, civil disputes etc. where Sharia law might be helpful in the context of the Islamic religion.

Its clear that English law would always take precedence over Sharia law unless both parties agreed to resolve disputes under Sharia law and I guess some legislation would need to be put in place to recognise the ruling fromn these proceedings under English law.

I think its a great idea, and since Sharia law can only apply to Muslims then it would not effect the non-muslim population in any way. Where's the problem?

Sean Kenwrick, Coalville, Leicestershire

I'm packing my bags.... I've had enough.

VC, London,

willims ought to spend more time looking after cristians .

if the muslims do not english law the know were heathrow is

i am appalled at the direction that this country is being taken and as result i am desperatly trying to emigrate .

trevor holmes, kingston, ENGLAND

I am shocked, absolutely shocked! The day this happens I will be leaving this country! Is this man out of his mind?

Anne, Huddersfield,

How about we invite all those who want sharia law to meet at heathrow airport and give them the oppoof a free ride to any country that has sharia law. Oh I forgot they would loose their benefits, ok give then 5 years benefits too...

jp, london,

Williams is a Labour Party stooge, and is currently saying what the party wants. Labour panders to the muslims to get their votes, irrespective of the damage Labour's sponsorship of mass islamic immigration is doing to the country. The BBC is staffed by Labour-supporting, left-wing liberals who subscribe to the same multi-cultural (any culture but British) outlook. Labour has succeeded in politicising the police with placemen such as Commissioner Blair, who make sure Labour won't alienate its electorate by searching ethnic criminals. When will we vote out these communist wreckers?

Martin , London, England

The Archbishop should keep to his job , if he knows how to do it ,some questions there I think, This country has qne of the fullest and most comprehensive set of laws in the world; we do not need some additions that where formed in the middle- dark ages, good though they might have been at that time ,we have moved on from that, although regrettably much of the world seem,s to be locked in the Dark ages. No body in this country can pick which bits of the law they want to abide by, that's the start of anarchy, nor can they set up their own system within the legitimate one ,nor should any be tolerated,they should be outlawed. Just because 1 religious group have it doesn't mean it's right , two wrongs don't make a right . the existing 1 should be outlawed. Minority groups shall abide buy the majorities wishes, that's democracy not dictatorship .We need to remember that.

f.g., leicester, U.K.

I'm a lawyer and wasn't planning to visit my local church this Sunday to impose my (not very extensive) Christian knowledge on the lacal vicar and his flock. Perhaps the Archbishop would do me the courtesy of keeping his nose out of affairs for which he equally lacks expertise. We didn't spend centuries gradually removing the worst examples of Christian values from English law just to have them replaced with alternative (probably worse) religious options. With respect to our UK Muslim friends, we are not here to bring you comfort by making the country more like a Muslim one, rather we emphasise the separation between the religious and the secular. The legal process belongs to the latter.

Clint, Stafford, UK

He should be locked up in Traitors Tower,....with only Blair for company.

J.Barry., Berlin., Germany.

Well it's a good job we've all avoided Church and this man's silly colleagues isn't it?

The man is a non-entity. Let him spout his rhetoric, but do not ingratiate him with responding too violently.

Mike, Runcorn, United Kingdom

If the Archbishop believes that allowing Sharia law will appease the muslims he is very wrong. He need only to look at history and current events all over the world. The goal of the extremist Muslim is to convert or irradicate the infidels which would include the Archbishop. Any religion that abuses half of its population and thinks its okay to deprive one of their head, if they do not convert, is one which should be confined.

R.B. Hayes, Los Angeles , California

Totally unacceptable; No. No ,No. Not an inch must we give on this matter or the thinnest edge of that Islamic wedge will be inserted. Take note Mr Brown this is even more serious than our loss of Sovereignty to Brussels !

A Heywood, Gloucestershire, England

The Church of England has been selling out Jesus Christ for years, they joined the ecumenical movement that walks hand in hand with Popery and all its evils, I can not list all the other attrocities that it is involved with as it would fill this letter.
The latest remarks from Archbishop Williams reg. the sharia law is not surprising, He does not seem to honour the wishes of my lord and Saviour Jesus, He said let them without sin cast the first stone, the sharia law states we can stone women to death for punishment, Jesus cured people who could not walk etc. The sharia law tells us we can cut hands and feet of people, and even behead them.
As a Christian I cannot write any more the whole thought turns me sick, all I can say to the members of the C.O.E. is come out from among them and do not touch the unclean thing.

C. Stevenson, Hamilton, Scotland

As a non believer of any faith I find it abhorent that any religion might dictate the laws by which I live and am judged.

Religious laws are interpreted from ancient texts, (which are just that ;ancient texts), primarily by men, for their own ends.

This has only reinforced my view that all faiths and churches should be disestablished and dispatched to their rightful place in the dustbin of history

Charles, Edinburgh,

Nice to hear these words from an intelligent, well informed (in contrast to most commenters here) Christian scholar.

Islamic Sacred Laws in issues of inheritance, marriage, divorce, and banking which are wanted by Muslims and non-invasive to non-Muslims should be welcome. If the country accepted to have these as part of the Law system i would see it as a kind and considrerate concession and accpetance from fellow brits.

There are people in this comments section who are very abrasive, very ignorant. I was born here, grew up here, live here, work very hard in the NHS - their comments drive a wedge between them and myself. There's a lot of hate around here - and its not all from Muslim extremists. Their mentality will alienate them from moderate Muslims who till now wished them nothing but the best

Ali, London, UK

"The head of the Church of England believes that officially sanctioning Sharia will improve community relations and aid integration."
I always thought H M Queen was the head of the Church of England. Perhaps she can give him the sack!

MAZ, London

m thurley, london, uk

Why doesn't he get a haircut and convert to Islam.

alan maddox, wirral, england

Although we should try to understand the viewpoint of other religions, surely The Archbishop should be concentrating on his own faith and not that of others.
He is the head of The Anglican Church here in England and as such he should be promoting that ideology and perhaps if he was to do so then the droves of us who have left the church because of it's double standards and lack of leadership might be prepared to take a little more notice.
It might provoke some debate but sadly I feel that it will alienate more than it will intigrate.

Liz, Brighton,

Earlier this week, an article was published online in this very paper about a 15 year old girl tricked into a telephone marriage with a man with the mental age of 5. This marriage was NOT recognised by UK Law, but was recognised and upheld by Sharia Law. This speaks volumes for how punitive Sharia Law is towards women and how it demonstrates and exercises wisdom (or the lack of).
This is a discussion which no individual in the United Kingdom should be having - there is absolutely no justification for laws upholding one group's religious rights to the detriment of another.

MK, London, UK

What on earth has this guy been smoking? And what's next...British women being required to wear burkhas to muslim men aren't offended?

Tess, Shrewsbury,

"Does this mean that as a British Christian, if I have a row with my girlfriend I can convert to Islam, kill her, and a get away with it by saying she was cheating on me? ...

Peter K, London, England"

More importantly, if you do that will the Archbishop issue a formal apology to you for the centuries of Western European Imperialsim that forced your action?

Drew Sullivan, Saratoga,, California

I have no faith, & personally find it offensive that the belief of a supreme being of a God or the whole Jesus & bible thing & the fact that this carries so much weight in our society an outrage.
And it is widely known that Islam faith wants to take over the world!
What are you trying to achieve? It's not encouraging integration of these peoples in our land!
Many of their ways do not fit in with our big brother CCTV country; most of us can't go into a shop with a hood up, let alone full face coverage!
Also as a non faith British person i cannot have 2 or more wife's, & i believe that they are causing more law breaking with their ways of faith, the women are oppressed...do some research.
They want to be here, so they must adopt or go home, that's what i stick by, & i know that most our Original British people think this too.
Ethnic people in this country already have more rights than the British people, if more and more of these accommodations are made, it will become a two tiered system.

Jay , bath, england

I wrote to the Archbishop last September 1st, complaining about department stores already shelved up and selling Christmas paraphernalia in the name of Jesus Christ. I suggested that non-Christian religions must find the practice most supportive of their own faith and quite a joke. I received from the Archbishop’s secretary an extract from a Terry Wogan show in which the A of C explored his embarrassment at receiving Christmas cards from people he’d omitted from his own list. Can anyone save England?

Theo Nelson, South Hams,

Dr. Williams refers to the occasions where consideration has been availed to other religions citing Catholic and Jews as receiving special consideration. Need he be reminded that the laws of the land are based on the Jewdeo-Christian faith to which Jews and Catholics aspouse.

The consideration given "Catholic adoption agencies to discriminate against gay couples" ultimately was an effort to make the changes in British Law, that previously outlawed homosexuality, more acceptable.

My views on gay rights has nothing to do with what I am saying here so please don't get distracted.

What I want to point out is that I don't believe that introducing the Sharia system of law, to any degree, cannot be compared with or resoned by the previously mentioned considerations.

N, Vancouver,

We need to repent as a nation for letting our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ down.

Gwilym Williams, Holyhead, Wales

Go ahead, let down the draw bridge, drain the moat, open the gates...; but, don't be casting around tomorrow looking for someone to blame for these insoluble cultural and political problems you are bringing upon yourselves today. Intellectual and political leaders of GB are shaping a modern Greek tragedy. (Proclamations and acts like that of the Archbishop are minor.) The hubris which fuels their leadership today will be fulfilled in the future with historic national conflict and heartache.

Bill, Alabama, USA

Secular criminal and civil law, not religious law, should have paramount position in a democracy. We cannot allow ourselves to be governed by the rule of gods or those who speak for them. It is not enough that we interpret the law, we must also be able to change it. You cannot change the word of gods. So ultimately religion is undemocratic, and must be apart in a democracy.

Stephen, London,

Religion is a cultural matter. Law is a political matter. The purpose of the Law is to ensures the health of our nation so that it can defend itself, and pursue its culture.
Christian countries recognise this, and put it into practice. The Catholic countries have Rome for culture, and the Empire for their politics. That is how it was during the Crusades. That is how it is today. Religion is like the cultural soul in the armed and self-protecting body.
A separate culture and law to our own is the mark of an enemy, a threat to our existence. Schmitt

Dr Jason Powell, Wrexham, Britain

Thank God I've been an Atheist these past 35 years. All the middle eastern religions are bonkers.

Tony Martin, South San Francsico, USA

It will be a very sad day when the UK gives legitimacy to Sharia. Because every ignorant and backwoods immam will be issuing fatwas willy nilly.

This reader applauded Dr. Carey when he acknowledged the legend of Xmas.

Today, I am dismayed with his Sharia stand. By his own analysis, Sharia is subjective and its practice inconsistent. Many Muslim have dual laws due to the lack of consistency, prededents and fairness in Sharia. Honor killings in the name of chauvanistic practices of young women in the name of tradition should never be allowed to be mainstream. The Quran does not allow for an Islamic heirarchy like other faiths and this is mainly the cause of inconsistencies of Sharia and the misuse of fatwas. Within the dictates of the Quran, Ayatohlas, muftis, immams and clerics are all frauds.

KOJINATOR, provo, USA/UT

It is difficult to imagine a more cowardly treason than Rowan Williams’ voluntary betrayal of his country and religion in his call for Sharia law in the UK.

At every step the Muslims seek more power and influence in Europe, which they openly plan to turn into a Caliphate. Today the FT’s front page carries the story of how the Mullahs (blasphemously, presumably) knowingly permitted the creation of false ‘Sukuk’ bonds masquerading as compliant with Shariah, when in fact they are not, simply to grow the market. Unmentioned, of course, is that apart from lining their own pockets the establishment of a global ‘Shariah’ financial market also fuels Islam’s path to global power. This is part of a massive political assault which is merely a continuation of the long and well rehearsed pattern of the Islamic conquest of over fifty countries since Muhammed murdered his first opponents. Their principal weapon is the establishment of a ratchet-like system of laws from which it is impossible to withdraw peacefully, since they are enforced with brutal violence.

For example, in the debate that is bound to come on this topic now, everybody who speaks out against Rowan Williams’ evil proposal will become a target for Muslim threats. If he had wanted to strike a blow for tolerance he could have spoken out against the persecution of Christians throughout Muslim areas, demanded the right to build churches in Saudi and so on. He even pretends that Christian views, e.g. on abortion, are accommodated within the law. But it is precisely Christian values that are being erased from the statute book right now. In this environment it is easy to see why he would prefer to sell us even further down the river in order to more conveniently win plaudits from liberal bigots in the House of Lords, than stand up for any principles.

He said the Muslims believed in laws which come from a higher authority than ours. But the authority of our laws comes, via the Crown, from God. Is there nothing this pseudo Archbishop won’t do to destroy his own Church?

Giles Rowe, London, England

We should not support the introduction of Sharia law in the UK. My grandparents & Parent worked hard to integrate with other communities and learned to live in harmony with other culture and religious groups. This value was subsequently passed to my parents and us. Muslim communities are already seen to be an ‘outsider’ and if Dr Rowan Williams support the notion to introduce Sharia Law in the UK, it will only create further segregation between communities and alienate Muslim communities further. Not to mention the fact that this will also make moderate Muslims lives difficult. This will just open a floodgate to other religious group to introduce their own laws. Why should Muslim receive preferential treatment? – those who wish to introduce Sharia law should consider going to a Muslim-run state,country governed by Sharia Law. UK is a multi-cultural society which has many cultures and religion - lets be fair to everyone and live in harmony and not be a outsider. Simple no to Sharia Law

Sophia, Essex,

It makes perfect sense, after all, this IS a muslim country.

Fabio C, London, UK

Over 99% of Muslims are 1st and 2nd generation immigrants. They came to make a new life here. Presumably our laws were a consideration before they came. Certainly the better, more tolerant life our culture stands for must have influenced their decision.
If they now want Sharia law they know where to find it.
The Archbishop of Canterbury defies the precepts and principles of his own faith in making this observation. Christians are exhorated to tolerate and love and respect all mankind: this does not mean tolerating their medeival outlooks.
I despair of the Church of England. They're either feather-lite liberals like Williams, hypocrites or fundamentalist nuts. Is there anyone sane within the churh?

Gerry, Ramsgate, Kent

This is complete hypocrisy and totally wrong headed.
No wonder the Anglican church is failing it stands for nothing except appeasement and abdication of basic Christian beliefs.
The present government is just as bad---they managed to get back 5 non Britsih Muslims from Guantanamo who were up to no good when they were originallly captured but are welcome in Britain unlike Mr Pun VC a heroic Ghurka who saved many British lives in WWII.
I no longer attend the Church of England--this man is a complete idiot.
Britain used to be British and a Christian nation where free speech,freedom of religion and other basic values were a given---I fear ideas like these are subtley moving this country in the wrong direction.

john, clifton, nottingham uk

The appeasement ; to those who not long ago where on the streets calling for the killing of Christians; abusing Christian worshippers coming out of a London church etc; -is appalling and the Archbishop should be sacked. When the majority population of this country , well over 90% of all walks of life are discriminated against threatened ,abused and met with hostility from Extremists then these comments by the head of the Church are scandalous, and put more people at the mercy of preachers of hate.Does he not realise that 'they ' see this man as the head of the 'Infidel' ideology , that they disaprove of.
Ian . Merseyside.

Ian Bannister, St.Helens, Merseyside. England

A sure fire way to widen the sectarian/religious/cultural divide, call it what you will.
The common & criminal law of this country has evolved over hundreds of years and has formed the basis for other countries legal systems.
Why adopt an alternative that when applied literally is the complete opposite of or own liberal traditions, just to cozzy up to minority that should be learning about our traditions not seeking to change them.

John Lewis, London, UK

What Dr Williams is talking about is not Shariah but Muslim family councelling! Shariah law encompasses complete systems for the organisation of state and society including an economic system, judicial, social etc

The best way to deal with the misconceptions of westerners about Shariah law systems is to see these systems it implemented in their entirety in the Muslim world as a Caliphate. The west will then witness true Islamic justice and perceptions will only then radically change.

The idea that Shariah is a looseset of principles that can be fitted within other legal and political systems is erroneous. The Muslim states are not implementing Shariah-they are mostly dictatorships or secular democracies. One cannot call these states Islamic or examples of how Shariah really works.

Salman, london, uk

This is simply unacceptable. An old English saying goes' when in Rome.....' This, I'm afraid, is the UK and law has been devolved from the Church which no longer has its sway. Hence, there is no reason whatsever to introduce a minority viewpoint into the legislature, however fashionable it may seem.

David, London,

Raising the white flag already. This is the illogical diatribe of a great appeaser. Must be neville chamberlain's reincarnation. Its a betrayal of 500 years of protestantism after the reformation. What would Martin Luther say about this? Does he not understand why protestants came about? We are going through a reformation/modernization of the islamic world and the sooner islamists accept that laws are set by a seccular democratically elected parliment and obeyed by all citizens regardless of their religious beliefs. We cannot live in any country where one group is judged by one set of laws and others another. Apartheid by a different name. Shall we have a separate 'Caliphate' as well? Just ridiculous. He should be immediately removed from his position as the head of Church of England. His opinion is untenable with the principles of the church of England or a UK citizen, its nothing short or discrimintory and treasonous.

Craig, london,

I listened to the retired Bishop of St Albans some weeks ago, Bishop Robin who mentioned in sermon recently in many words that Christianity is organic and grows/changes with time. Islam on the other hand is written in tablets of stone and is never changing - stuck in the past like some type of antique.
Muslims in the UK either wish to intergrate which means respecting UK and EU law or they wish to be seperate in which case there are plenty of countries around the world which can accomodate their requirements. If UK law is changed to accomodate Muslim law then we must do the same for all faith groups even those that worship the trees in the woods. Before we know it we can all do as we please according to our own little whims and beliefs and law as we know it becomes inconsistant and irrelevant as I would for one follow my own law. Good enough for Muslims then good enough for me to do as I wish regardless of social or national cohesion.

Terry Bradley, St Albans, Herts

In the last two weeks we have read of the student journalist in Afghanistan condemned to death for blasphemy ie down loading information of women's rights. In Iran two sisters have been condemned to death for so-called adultery, in Saudi Arabia another woman for sitting in the car of a man she was not related to. This week research entitled Crimes in the Community was published. A devastating account of the rise of 'honour' violence against Asian women drew on evidence from, amongst others, Asian women's groups, and has the backing of Nazir Afzal, director of West London CPS. It describes a thriving, abusive sub-culture in 21st century Britain that simply should be vociferously challenged. Many Muslims have fled their home countries and draconian Sharia law to enjoy greater freedom in Britain, consensual Sharia? What dream world is the leader of the Anglican Church talking about. There is one law for ALL citizens and it is there for the protection of ALL and should be applied to ALL

glyn reed, London, England

Can Ruth Gledhill stick to the facts, ever? What did Rowan Williams say? What did Ruth Gledhill write as a result? Do the two match? I do not think so! Decide for yourselves who is the more truthful. Rowan Williams is a man of huge integrity who has so much to say to our situation in the western world. We must listen to him very carefully and not look for sensationalist spin about what we think he may have said. Prophets are sent to be listened to - eventually!

Brian Prothero, Weybridge, U.K.

There seems to be a distinct lack of muslim voice on here. The reality is that Sharia law for divorces already exists in the U.K. and has existed here for a number of decades... Peacefully.
Recent events since 9-11 have soured muslim/non-muslim relations because extremists on both sides have had louder voices/bomb blasts than moderate people.
The voices of moderation say be sensible, accept each other and don't trample on each other's beliefs.

Abid, Shipley, UK

Craig from London: I don't doubt for a moment that this story has been sensationalised and reduced to a soundbite but the very idea that the Primate of All England should in any way, shape or form even hint at an endorsement of Sharia law in this country, no matter how considered and intellectually stimulating his ideas might be, is, quite frankly, bizarre. You cannot have "pick-and-mix" legal systems and if some muslims don't like the way we do things in the UK, they don't have to live here.

Anglicans need to think very, very hard about whether this man has any moral authority left in their church. He has a duty to uphold and promote the values of the Anglican church and comments like this undermine that duty. He may be a wonderful theologian but he is not a leader of his church. He should do the decent thing and do it quickly.

Mel, London,

in spain we have the civil legistation and catholic legislation about marriage...the decisions of Catholic Church Court is bind for the spanish law...

albert, valencia, spain

I am horrified by these suggestions. Religion should have no place at all in deciding what are intelligent and moral laws. It is a fantasy to think that specific religions have led mankind to a moral perspective. This is obvious if one reads for example the old testament.

John Rhodes, London, UK

Personally I am glad the ArchBish has come out with it because he is now exposed for what he is, which is the worst kind of liberal appeaser who has nothng but contempt for our history, identity and culture. Who needs enemies and terrorists when we have the likes of him and Ken Livingstone around? They are a discrace.

Sam Davis, Bristol, UK

The Archbishop should consider what he wants to say before he says something as stupid as this. The world has been moving forward from religious and tribal justice slowly for the last 200 years. He now wants one of it implemented in the UK. This is PCness going bonkers. The councils/schools across the UK that have removed some aspect christmas celebrations should fit reinstate it. UK needs christianity because that is its identity. And I am not a Christian.
Why did the archbishop come out with this statement? What was the need?

NK, Portsmouth,

Time I think, to call in the men with white coats. He would do away with centuries of a hard won legal system, which whilst not perfect is infinitely better than a bunch of beardies haggling about how many djinns can sit on the head of a pin, whilst deciding whether a man's head should sit on his shoulders.

Bill Q, Derby,

While your at it flush the magna carta and years of social progress down the toilet. This is an insult for those who bleed, died, cried and suffered for our civil liberties.

Christian Rodier, bakersfield, USA, CA

What matters is the law of a secular liberal democracy in which we live. That is sacrosanct and has to be. How silly of the Archbishop to argue for integrating some areas of Sharia law into the laws of a liberal secular democracy.

Do you recall that TV programme some months ago where a delightful Muslim girl went to see how Sharia law was getting along in the north of Nigeria? Hair flowing and wearing a t-shirt she was lambasted by the Sharia judge for appearing in his court thus attired.

One scene was in a prison. Up came a poor guy minus an offending hand; it had been cut off. He seemed a bit of a simpleton. He had of course transgressed and was asked, when it came to a matter of punishment, was he a Christian or a Muslim. Affirming the latter, he suffered the loss of his hand. Had he asserted that he was Christian he would have been just as handy and handsome as he was before the crime had been committed. Two legal systems in one polity? Forget about it, your Grace!

David E. Mahony, Putney, London, London, UK

Seems to me you were warned, by Enoch Powell, years ago, but chose to ignore the warning.

Time to suffer the consequences.

Eric, Ottawa, Canada

Perhaps the Archbishop needs to experience Sharia law first hand.....a secondment to Saudi or Sudan.....he might like it so much he stays.

Politicial correctness gone mad.

Why don't we just invite the Taleban in to teach us the appropriate music to listen to?

Peter James, Auckland, NZ

I certainly hope that the UK goes along with this nonsense. It's just a matter of time before our idiot politicians here in the U.S.A. propose the same, so I'd prefer they see what a debacle this is in the UK first.

But if you reject it, don't be suprised if bombs start going off in shopping centers. Ask Ron Paul about the "blow-back" principle.

Peter, Houston, Texas

His Grace has totally lost his common sense! He should be ashamed of himself! These folks live in England, which, the last time I checked, IS NOT an Islamic country. It is my understanding that when you move into a country you ADAPT to that country and its laws, etc. If you are unhappy, then, please, leave! The same thing applies here in America. Do you think we would receive the same consideration in an Islamic country? Of course not!

By the way, who chose this guy as Archbishop of Canterbury? In my view, he does a dis-service to the Church of England...what's left of it.

Wes Lamb, Springfield, USA, Georgia

ah i would love to live in the world of the rowans, it must be easy to sleep in that twilight zone, he sits in a world that has accused all non white non christain, peace loving peoples of the real world of wanting to steal his way of life. rowan you bomb and kill people who have differant ways of faith, and now you stand in judgement on their way of life and proclaim its ok, let us live in a world of buggs, and prison without trial,and we chose your cleric, lets live as equals, but some of us are more equal than others in the world of rowans.

michael joseph heavey, cahersiveen>adams towns, madness

Mr Williams should resign. He should spend more of his time attracting people to his church & not make suggestions that are unacceptable to a civilised Britain. The British are fed up with Labour bending to Muslims & other new immigrants on too many occasions. We are a Christian country & believe in obeying the laws of the land. The British have been tolerant of other religions for centuries & we should continue to be so, but we have to draw the line when it is against our British law. Forced marriages & the killing of wives appear with increasing regularity, even in Britain under the so called excuse of their 'Law'. The government now want to give extra benefits to Muslims who have 2 wives . What about British bigamy laws? The police cannot cope with new immigrants, many schools can't cope, councils can't cope, midwives can't cope. On top of these burdens to taxpayers who is going to pay for Sharia courts---you guessed it, the British.
Are this government & Williams blind?

Clive Kitchener, Storrington, West Suissex

Can I have some of whatever he's smoking? He's completely off his trolley and certainly no longer speaks for this baptised and confirmed member of the CoE.

Peter, Genoa, Italy

Where are we going to stone the women to death - have they decided that too ???? Quite amazing UK is the only country in the world that puts up with this nonsense I just wonder what happened to the British Citizen since WW2 - oh of course they all left for sunnier and more sensible countries

chris clifford, Brisbane., aus

Please Archbishop, one moves to a country to live a life in the country chosen because they believe it to be a better life.
Sometimes escaping,though usually voluntary, leaving the system they they lived under.Thus choosing to live in Rome and live as the Romans do.
i.e. Live under that country's laws, not the one they left.

Vin Francis, Sydney, Australia

The senior leaders of the Church of England are bankrupt,
they have no ideas, take the salary but do not believe in or are
able to teach the Bible. It is the same in America where the
Anglican (Episcopal) church is now fragmenting. Those that
still want to follow the Lord Jesus are joining new groupings,
The church of the Southern Cone and CANA-the Nigerian
sponsored Biblical-Anglican church in America. It's time the
same now happened in England

Philip, Dorset, England

Rowan Williams is a cretin. I have thought for many years that the Church of England is run by people who do not believe in Christianity and views like his confirm that belief.

john moylan, manchester, England

As a muslim, I can say that, an attempt to bring a dialogue between two different faith groups is appreciated. An offer to allow sharia law in civil issues would help making muslim community of uk feel more comfortable, as being uk citizens by citizenship and muslims by faith. For example, most of the muslims marry in the mosque without registering their marriage in the city hall and spending time filling out applications, meeting bureaucrats etc. Also, the divorce procedure is quite easy. You just have to repeat the word 'talak' which means divorce, meaning 'I divorce you" to your spouse, without bringing in your family members, neigbors, lawyers etc to settle and sort out your family fight.
Obviously, sharia law in uk will not prevail over common english law but it would help in many cases, considering the amount of muslims for whom UK has become a second motherland.

Sharif, Baku, Azerbaijan

Sharif, baku,

Is this man mad, stupid or just very misguided? I suggest that he should follow the advice of Dennis Thatcher...

Dave, Reading, UK

Supposing someone receiving the verdict of a Sharia court did not accept it, would they then ask a legitimate British court to make a more palatable decision? Conversely, could those of other faiths convert in order to obtain a ruling that was acceptable? There can only be one law, that made in Parliament and all residents of the United Kingdom, whether citizens or not, must abide by it. The Archbishop is wrong. Considering that he was an appointment of Tony Blair, the views of the latter would be of interest - possibly he would admit to an error of judgment.

David Cunard, Los Angeles, United States

There is no England anymore.

Jeff PURDY, Aloha, usa/ or

I'm speechless! If I went to live in Pakistan, would they change the law to suit me?. The same applies to most countries. This is no, no ,no.
I expect Christian leadership from the Archbishop. With this weak wristed leadership no wonder the Anglican community is so rudderless. It really is the time to go Archbishop.
Why don't you object to the thousands of Christians who are suffering acute persecution in Muslim lands. We do want that here.

J Perry, Wilmslow, Cheshire

Religious people of all faiths in Western countries currently marry & divorce under their religious law as well as under civil law. A Moslem who wants to marry off his 15 yr old daughter can do so, but her marriage won't be recognized under civil law, & if she objects she will be defended by that civil law. Is that defense what the Archbishop wants to abolish? Very liberal of him.

Hannah, Milwaukee, US

It's time he retired - his remarks are stupid and divisive. Is his appointment within the remit of the Monarch or the government? One of them should do something about this dangerous man.

Old-Tyke, England,

I'm with Rowan, let's stone to death adultorous women and gays in Trafalgar Square. Afterwards we can invade Poland.

Nick, London, UK

What an horrendous betrayal by a Christian of his fellow persecuted Christians of every race who suffer and are denied fundamental human rights in countries where Islam is in the majority and sharia law is the law of the land. Imagine fleeing to the West for relief only to be faced with the very presence of such a law in a democratic society - an ideology, by the way that Muslims in the West conveniently use to their advantage when it comes to appealing to social justice and equality. The democratic ideal, flawed though it may be, was hard fought for over many bloody centuries. That an emasculated leader of an emasculated church should even propose more baffling sycophancy towards Islam would have been incomprehensible to previous generations in this country.

Elaine, London , UK

If Muslims want sharia law then there are more than enough countries that will accommodate them. To suggest that this is an unavoidable change is to suggest that the UK will become a Muslim state.

I am an agnostic and find the whole thing extremely distasteful.

What about those who come to Britain to avoid Sharia law and how would we stop honor rapes and killings as Sharia law allows this.

In the past Britain has condemned countries for sentencing a your girl to be stoned to death after she was raped whilst giving the rapists a few lashes and a stern telling off. Is that what we really want here.

joe, Edinburgh, Scotland

Rowan Williams talks in riddles and so ,like the Oracle in Delphi, sounds learned and wise. But as his latest utterances show, he is as ridiculous as he looks.
What does Mrs Williams think of his praise of Sharia law as regards women?
Why does he not put his money where his mouth is and go to a fundamentally Islamic state and advance the Christian gospel and related laws? Mrs. Williams would soon be a widow!
Hywel Thomas,

HYWEL THOMAS, BATH, ENGLAND

NO NO a million times NO.

Britons nave spilled their blood for democratric law over archaic religious mumbo jumbo. Williams is clearly a deranged fool.

Betty Fowler, Birmingham, UK,

Absolutely unbelieveable. Does this man deserve to be head of the Church of England? Is he so other-worldy that he has completely lost touch with reality?? Words fail. I really do think now that the inmates have taken over the asylum. Stupid comments like this only fan the flames of extremists like the BNP, who must be absolutely delighted by recent news items. WELL DONE DR WILLIAMS!!

Peter Clubbe, Chester,

Since when was it a good idea to have faith dictate the direction of law in this country? This is a secular democracy, let's keep it that way. Besides, when the epicentre of Islam allows churches, mandirs and synagogues on their soil, and people of other faiths to practise without fear of persecution and/or death, then there might be room for discussion. Until then, this is Britain; be British or be somewhere else.

Ian Campbell, Bournemouth, UK

Dr. Williams speaks the truth. New Labour has undermined Christian values for over a decade. Should we be surprised if Islam fills the vacuum?

RB, Aberdeen,

Britain has gone mad!!! You are constantly bowing to the demands of a small - but loud - minority, and if you say A you must also say B. - What then, if moslem men want 4 wives, or want to stone a woman to death for alleged adultery? You are crazy, you brits, and I say that it is too late for the UK; your democratic foundation is being eroded away by moslems! chip-chip...

Anita, Copenhagen, Denmark

So he wants a bigger flock - anyone will do - a bit like the Royals - Good help us.

Marty, London, England

Archbishop Williams seems to have escaped from a Monty Python skit, Department of Featherheaded Prelates Department. Talk about your Holy Handgrenade of Antioch!
How long will we have to wait until he assumes an advocacy for banning pork pies north of Beachy Head? Will His Grace soon move in Lords to replace the Judiciary's wigs with kaffiyehs? Does the name Neville Chamberlain strike a familiar note?

David, Los Angeles, USA

The "law of the land". That's a singular.

alan, germany,

Whoever said turkeys don't vote for Xmas? Sharia today -and then waxing stronger, and later,demands that Christianity ought not to enjoy constitutional and discriminatory preferment and that the Church should be disestablished. And the Sovereign? Roll on the Republic. His Grace is an exemplar of the 'chamberlin' spirit' of the predominantly English ruling governances. Churchill after all, was half american.

jack maclean, London, England

Good Lord, you people are becoming as batty as the idiots in the USA. If the Muslims want to practice and live by Sharia law, let them go to Islamic countries where it is a customary practice.
This is just PC idiocy.

LUCY, Richmond,

Dear Dr Williams,
I am actually sorry to hear such an utterly nonsensical statement from such a widely respected authority that you are.
The United Kingdom has always been a prominent supporter of human rights - possibly due to the gross violations it has committed herself in the past. The law for centuries has been based on every person being treated equally, regardless of the background, beliefs and culture one comes from.
I can only deduce from your statement that you no longer believe in this principle, which renders you unsuitable for the position you hold.
While it is essential to accommodate the various beliefs held in the UK, it is vital to never allow that different laws apply to different people.

Charmaine, London,

There's a saying that if you give an inch they'll take a mile. If the good Archbishop had his way we'd soon be required to suppress women, along with having all the other delights of what we know (pace Archbishop) of Sharia. Out would go our hard-won freedoms. No thank you! Please Gordon, stick with it!Don't let Political Correctness sway you.

F. Selwyn, St Andrews, Fife

the archbishop needs to be sacked

kbalrry, bristol,

This is a Christian Country and therefore all people should respect the beliefs and traditions of the country. As in Rome do as the Romans, if I wish to live by Shia law then I would go to a muslim country it is as simple as that.

For a senior church figure to say that, I do hope that he is seriously considering his position as Archbishop.

Lam, Telford, shropshire

That guy is crazy

Fernando.Madrid, Madrid, Spain

What exactly are British values? Yobism, football hooliganism?
Drunk women throwing up on the streets in the evenings?
Invading other countries in violation of international law?

Are British values the same now as they were 50 years ago?

Tim, Toronto, Canada

absolute insanity...england is a christian country and will stay that way...any change to this will happen over my dead body!

john dwyer, londontown,

Having been at the lecture this evening on which this report is based, it is rather depressing to read what the press has made of it. A subtle, careful, and well thought out speech, observing that consensual adoption of sharia principles by individuals in particular disputes where it is appropriate, and where it is not inconsistent with the broader civil law, is reduced to a soundbite about 'inevitability'.

This valuable contribution to a legitimate debate has been totally misrepresented by the 24 hour media. Next time you hear a politician speak on Today for 15 minutes without saying anything, remember how this story was reported.

Craig, London,

His ramblings betray an intellectual vacuum. You either have Sharia Law or you don't. We don't. Simple as that. Although it has developed over many years and is based on a Christian morality, Britain is a secular state with a secular legal code overseen by secular, not religious, judges. This code enshrines our liberty, our equality and our freedom. His comments are particularly crass when you consider the fascistic tendencies on show in Afghanistan in the case of Sayed Pervez Kambaksh. Instead of trying to open the door to a caliphate why is Mr Williams not taking to the airwaves to decry the decidedly un-Christian aspects of Sharia regimes? It is because he is a charlatan.

Craig, Musselburgh, Scotland

How about this, ALL people obey the Laws of England. If you do not like it, take your sword and go to Saudi. This clown should be sent back to Wales.

Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA Tx

I agree that the Archbishop of Canterbury is a raving loon, either that or the Imam's have something on him.. he's refused even to speak out against death threats made against the Bishop of Rochester. Sharia law is not compatible with Western societies.. it sets a dangerous precedent.

However, what does it matter. In a few months time, your government will finally achieve what Europe has been pining for, for too many years, totalitarian control over all it's member states, including yours. No more England, it's constitution, the Magna Carta all gone. Fascism. Your queen and all your leaders in all your parties support this insanity. You all should be doing something substantive to fight this and you're not.

Jenny, Grand Rapids, MI, US

They want their own law, their own culture, their own schools, their own language, their own clothing and refuse to conform in any way to Britishishness. The solution is clear - live in Pakistan, Iran or any other muslim country and not here.

Will Muslims be entitled to stone women to death and behead those they consider blasphemous? What about marrying men of to children? Perhaps the Archbishops thinks so.

Is it any wonder everyone wants to leave the UK?

Fed Up, Edinburgh, Scotlan

He is talking about voluntarily submitting to these laws in a very limited area of concern. Why would anyone voluntarily submit to this if it meant they were going to be stoned.
Smarten up you clowns.

Also, as was pointed out, this separate court system already exists for Jews and others so if this is not allowed, they should shut down the other ones as well. After all, Orthodox Jewish courts must be a lot different than the regular courts or there would be no reason for them to exist. Therefore they are not base on British Values.

Tim, Toronto, Canada

No more concessions must be made to this vile religion. We are already well down the road towards islamicisation. As they outbreed us and form a higher proportion of the population, their shrill calls for ever more backtracking to the ninth century will grow. Sharia law instead of English civil law then Shariah criminal law. The PC idiots who support ever more concessions to Islam will in perhaps a century or so suddenly find themselves wearing burqhahs or long beards! No sharia, no electronically amplified calls to prayer in Oxford, no more curtailment of freedom of speech to avoid offending this freakish mediaeval crap should be tolerated. Rowan Williams is an idiot but this should come as no surprise because by definition you've got to be the sort of person who believes in Father Christmas long after you should know better to be religious. This same man also suggested we shouldn't allow people to say extremely mean things about others' beliefs i.e freedom of speech.

S P, Swansea, UK

I believe its time to leave england and let the mad men ( bible basher's and politian's ) deal with all the legal and non legal migrants that are distroying British belief's

Graham W, kingston upon hull, east yorkshire

This is the funnies thing in the 2008 so far! The leader of Anglicans endorsing traditions of the desert nomads to the UK folk.

Not that I care what he has to say, but that explains why his people are converting to Catholicims or dropping the church at all. How can you a follow a leader like that?

Michal Frys, London, UK

I was once described by a bishop as a maverick, 'bad, mad and dangerous to know' Anglican priest. Hence I hardly ever agree with my mitred superiors but, in this case, I do. Dr Williams is right. Muslims should allow to have and follow the precepts of Shariah law, except, of course, when they contradict the law of the land.
It is so simple, so sensible. Why do Islamophobes get so hot under the collar?
Much of Shariah law is perfectly harmless. If Muslims voluntarily decide to follow it, why is it wrong to allow them officially to do so?
However, note: by the same token Dr Williams should also urge Parliament to follow the law of the Church. What about enshrining in British law Biblical prohibitions against fornication, eh?
Bet that would do wonders for his PR profile.
Revd Frank Gelli

Revd Frank Gelli, London, UK

The Archbishop is becoming an embarrasment to this country. The people who practice this terrible Sharia Law are guests in this country and shouldbemade to abide by our law. We are in danger of losing this country completely to incomers and having to change our way of life whereas it should be them that have to change. Send the Archbishop back to the strange planet he came from

Alan Wilson, Halifax, ENGLAND

Time to hang up your mitre archbishop, you are a disgrace to fellow Christians and offensive to all the teachings of God and Jesus who would not tolerate any people who want to cut of peoples heads or blow others up simply because they disagree with others. A primitive religion with no place in a modern society. Bring back the likes of Winston Churchill to deal with these people who wish to destroy our society, which the likes of my grandfathers fought on the somne to preserve my way of life and my freedom of speech. As a woman I believe these religions are barbaric and evil after all God gave his greatest gift to a woman LIFE.

Lets preserve ours before these people destry it.

D Britton, Nottingham, ENGLAND

That's the last time I wonder why my Dad emigrated.

Andrew Isaac, Santa Cruz, CA

..... he's got to go.

SJS, Guildford, U.K.

Mr Williams is not a christian - that much is certain. What is also obvious is that, one day, even though he clearly does not believe in either the existence or the message of Jesus, he will have to account for himself - we are judged according to our ways, Mr Williams.

Bill Beetham, Moscow, Russia

This is the Dr. William’s attempt at justifying his own church’s interference in law and society. In a time of increased secularism, religious figures will cling to any chance of keeping their lives and jobs relevant.

If the muslims are allowed to have their sharia law, the christians can justify their own religious bigotry, as can the orthodox jews and any other superstitious crackpot who comes along with a invisible deity and a holy book.

Sean, Auckland, New Zealand

>>> Dr Williams pointed out that some Orthodox Jewish courts already operated in Britain, and that anti-abortion views of Catholics and other Christians were accommodated within the law <<<

This observation is inaccurate and inflammatory. No Jewish or Christian bodies have any exclusive temporal powers over matters within the scope of our civil and criminal legal jurisdictions.

It is by the grace of our secular laws that they enjoy limited delegated powers in the management of their own property, clergy, liturgy, education and welfare provision, and they may have traditional roles in the mediation of private and commercial disputes amongst those of their flock who choose to abide by them, but otherwise they have no power whatever to oust the jurisdiction of our courts and tribunals.

If this is good enough for Christians, Jews et al. then there is no justification. apart from craven political posturing, to grant Islam any greater powers whether over their own kind or anybody else in this country.

Gordon Alexander, Frome, UK

This is OUTRAGEOUS!!!! I am not anti-Islamic, but I most certainly stand against the mixing of religious ideas and the state. The archbishop is correct that many don't accept a secular law, such as adoptions involving gay parents and Catholic agencies.

"The Archbishop emphasised that it was important to change British perceptions of Sharia. There is no single codified set of universal Islamic laws and governments from one country to the next employ very different strands."
--- Doesn't that fly in the very face of fairness, protections and the rule of law.

If people wish to hold themselves to religious moral law, that is their business and they may bind themselves using their own will, and never should be the business of government.

I appreciate tolerance, but this is trying to accept a culture as a response fear of terrorism, slavery and religious war that now threatens and has always threatened our ability to live in freedom.

John Fager, Indianapolis, USA, IN

As a practising christian over many years I cannot believe Dr. Carey is serious in advocating sharia law! Islam is not so much an evangelistic religion, it is more a creeping one which is not recognised until it is too late. If the Archbishop thinks that the islamic movement will settle for pockets of sharia law, he is tragically mistaken. If you look at Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, The Maldives, Pakistan, Indonesia etc; not forgetting the situation in Nigeria. These are countries where once upon a time Islam was not heard of, but once a foot is in the door there will be no stopping the steamroller effect as area after area falls under this (trgically) mistaken religion. For further evidence I would suggest he, and anyone else concerned with his remarks, pick up the book by the very eminent Bible teacher David Pawson titled The challenge of Islam to Christians. This is not a scaremongering attack on Islam but a balanced look at the whole of Islam compared with Christianity

Ian J. McKernan, Radcliffe, UK

Clear explanation for the gradual dwindling of attendance in CofE churches. The Archbishop cannot find the plot.

Richard, London, England

This is Rowans 'Peace in our Time' bit. I'm afraid he misunderstands the whole concept of Islam.
The luney left which Rowan is a founder member are strange bed fellows for Muslims.

Gareth, Swansea,

It always saddens me if an otherwise intelligent Englishman adopts Islam. He has a right to chose from any variety or degree of religion, 'God of love', 'God of hate', Buddhism, etc. or none at all. His right to join or to leave a religion is protected by UK law.

But Muslims do not have religious choice in their own countries and have to accept Islam and sharia law. They are not allowed to use their God-given intelligence to make any other choice.

In some countries, pictures, cartoons, art, music or anything beautiful is banned. Even the humble teddy bear is 'un-islamic'.

When a Christian leader in a free country wants to bring elements of their barabaric and hateful laws into the UK, I can only gasp in astonishment. What happens next, forced marriages, 'honour' killings, stonings, amputations, jihad?

Or is another bolt of lightning due to hit York Minster.

J B, Barnsley, Yorkshire

Under New York State law serious civil penalties fall upon Jewish men who refuse to give their civilly divorced wives a Jewish divorce (get). Without one women, but not men, are barred from remarriage within the faith.

MARK KLEIN, M.D., Oakland, CALIFORNIA

The Archbishop told the BBC what they wanted to hear. This is not the first time the BBC has pushed for a debate about sharia and it won't be the last. Why are people surprised all of a sudden that the Archbishop says maybe it's not a bad idea?

Johannes, Paris,

Surely the word should have been UNACCEPTABLE!
He is now UNACEPTABLE

bill williams, Bagnoles,

Timesonline why don't you publish my reaction dealing with those political refugees and extremist imams ? Are they you're beloved one's ? I am so sorry to offend you. But I heard about the liberty of speech ...

Soufiene, Sheffield, UK

No, no, no! Who will speak up for us Christians if the Archbishop of Canterbury won't? If I want to live in a Christian country it looks as though I'm going to have to emigrate to Ireland or France!

Anya, Sedgeford,

Is it any wonder the Church of England has got into the current state of demise when they managed to elect this sort of cretin to be at its helm?
Roman Catholic adoption societies were denied the right to de-select "gay" couples but it's Ok to have Sharia Lawn for Muslims! Absurd does not begin to describe it.
Of course he only referred to the less agressive forms of Sharia Law. No reference then to stoning women for adultery, cutting off hands for theft, beheading or other less palatable subjects. We must remember however that we live in the "ratchet it up society" when issues are dealt with by minor movements on a continuous basis until eventually the single issue control freak groups impose on everyone else everything they set out to get.
This is the fool who apologised for the Crusades and is masterminding the reducing church attendance issues. Time someone in the Church of England put him out to grass.

C J Wales, Shawbury, England

Glad to hear some Muslims are against Sharia. I tto think that it's wrong to sentance a rape victim to death.

This mans a disgrace to his faith and his country and should resign now. End of story.

James, Glasgow,

I wish I was surprised, but I'm not in the least. This man is supposed to be filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith in Christ but he goes out of his way to encourage one of the greatest enemies of the Gospel in our time. My only amazement is that anyone professing to be a Christian, especially in ministry in the CofE, should tolerate this betrayal by their leader. Why on earth do they stay?

alan, oxford,

What is this guy smoking? There is a reason why church and state are seperate. If you allow people to choose which laws they obey and which they do not, there will be uter confusion. So some will say it is "only" in these areas. But the areas always spread. And if you look at Sharia law in detail, I don't want to live in such a society. It is time the needs of the many outweigh the individual. This is getting to a point where those who are athesiest, non-religious, and like secular societies. I don't impose my views on others and I obey UK law. Time others do as well. This all started with Labour woowing muslims. Excuse me but there are hindus, sikhs, jews, and many other religions in this country. Time for a change, time to look at the needs of the many again and if people use their individuality to impact others, they are free to move to a place where they can do what they want. I bet all those wanting Sharia law have no idea what it is. Try reading about it. It is not all good!

Bob, London,

At first I thought he'd lost his marbles - but then again perhaps his thinking is not so flawed - the reintroduction of some capital punishment (i.e. hand removal) to our career criminals might be the solution.

Rowan's not had his car nicked lately has he?

Mark, Cheshire, UK

I'm sorry but if you believe "RELIGION" has any right at all to be itergrated with the security and protection of the people and this once great land then you need your head examining.

He'd obviously been on the comunial wine.....all day!!

As a child i was baptised in a church and attended a Cof E primary school. I'm not a religious person today i'm afraid i need more proof. The beliefs of the few should not govern the actions of many.
The LAW should be based on ethic's and morals not religious traditions and beliefs.

FYI I decided i had to emigrate in order to escape what i can only describe as madness.

John S., Why should it matter, England

this buffoon should be sacked or better still, if he thinks so much of sharia law, let him journey to an islamic country and spread christianity.
what a muppet!

james morrell, doncaster, united kingdom

What is it with the British flagellating themselves at the altar of foreign cultures, religions and ideals? Is there that much guilt at the past that British, Christian values must now be discarded, along with the flag, the national anthem and anything else that offends immigrants? Stand up for yourselves!

George Haig Brewster, New York City, USA

The Archbishop seems to have lost the plot.
He is meant to be the head of the Church of England and his duties are to this church and its members.
He seems lately to think that he should make political comments - he should not. These are his views and not those of the vast majority of people in his church and indeed, in this country.
If he feels that he wants to live under Sharia law then let him give up all he has here and go to live in some far away Muslim state. They may even let him build a Christian Church out there!!!

M. Sampson, Ipswich,

The Archbishop is absolutely not the "leader of all Christians here". I think British Catholics may mention a man called Pope Benedict. As for the Archbishop's latest comments, no law should be dictated by a religion. Bowing down to pressure from cultures that simply do not wish to integrate into a democratic society is an ever - increasing occurrence. Whether it is Muslim checkout workers in Sainsburys who are not obliged to handle alcohol, or Muslim medical students who refuse to attend lectures related to alcohol and sexaully transmitted diseases.

What hope is there for a country in which social cohesion is minimally promoted, and indeed the opposite is encouraged? I genuinely fear for the future.

Mr M, London,

It is my understanding that the Holy Bible says 'Thou shalt have no other Gods Before Me'.
Mr Williams as the senior Archbishop of the faith should surely believe in the word of God as laid down in the Bible and should not allow the proslysisation of a legal system based on another faith.
Personally I believe this man has lost any belief in the Christian Religion he professes to follow and should stand down as archbishop and go on retreat. Failing this Her Majesty as Head of The Faith should remove him from Office.

Howard, Basildon, England

Being a British Muslim I have to agree with the majority of people here .. why on earth would anybody want to change the rules of the land.
I've seen and been to some of these Sharia law countries and rest assured it ain't pretty when there is no law and order to speak of.
This country needs something but its simply a better equipped legal system where the riff-raff can be taken off the streets, etc. and prosecuted properly.
I just came back from Dubai and no matter what anybody says, I believe the UK is simply the best place to call home on the planet. Yes, we pay more taxes than most, but we are a lot more free and open even compared to the US where racial hatred reigns in the southern states even to this day.

I am proud to call the UK my home.
No need for Sharia, UK Law perfectly fine.

PS As far as I am aware there are no Muslims who have complained about Christmas / Easter. I love both occassions even though we don't celebrate them. I think it's the "PC" brigade to blame!

A Rehman, Leeds,

I had you down as a very intelligent man.You must realise that the civilised world can't retreat when threatened with barbarianism.
I'm not a practicing Christian,but I must add my comments to the response that you must have, intentionally ,invoked.
Do your job!Speak up for the poor and disposessed;help charitable causes.You have an powerful,ancient,hard fought for position.Use it well.

Phil Bladen, stowmarket, england

Islam must be regarded as a political movement, and our law-makers must condemn Williams in parliament.

Steve, Clapham, London

As a religious man Archbishop Williams should not interfere with us in this country. We are not an Islamic Country but a Christian one. If the Muslims want Islamic laws then they should return to their own Country and not dictate to us. We are not allowed to celebrate so many things now such as Christmas lights and Easter because we may upset the Muslims. The joke being that they continue to celebrate their own beliefs and we do nothing to upset them.

Sophia Pari-Jones, Caernarvon, Wales

This is why across the pond we are very big on the separation
of church and state. Rowan would be shouted down.

Jerry Scroggin, Phoenix, Arizona/USA

Why is this man still the leader of the Anglican Church? He seems to want to raise the global and moral stature of the C of E, but has hit the heights of absurdity instead.

Chris, Largo, FL, USA

The archbishop isn't living on the same planet as the rest of us. Doesn't he realise how oppressive sharia law is and to give such a law even a foothold will lead eventually to the full implementation of it in this nation.
Alot of muslims don't want this law in the UK, why on earth does the 'head' of the anglican church want it?

Steve, Thirsk, UK

I'm not CofE but I do respect the archbishop of Canterbury as being the leader of all christians here. Why doesn't he stand up for us when christmas and easter get pc'd because some loony white person wants to patronise the non christians here?

Equality should mean equality for all!!!

Luke Nicolaides, London, UK

Mohammed Shafiq considers Shari as introduced in other parts of Europe to have been a success? How can legal enslavement of women be a success? E.G. Sharia requires a husband's consent to divorce. There is no measure that makes this a success.
Britain needs to codify its constitution while tradition of individual liberty remains. You may not have much time left with Imams and cardinals such as these.

Don M, New York, USA

as a volunteer in a family contact centre it is my opinion that sharia would either terminate a court ruling or take the separated partner completely out of the childs life

Bryan, London, England

Words fail me. How can the head of the Church of England propose such preposterous ideas and support a religion that in essence is not christian ?
While not anti Islam I am of the opinion the liberal views of wooley minded leaders, be they in governement or the church are consistently undermining the the norms and morays of this country. Fundamently they are resonsible for removing the Great from Great Britain.
Traditional values, be it in law enforcement, the creation of law, christian values and work ethic need to be reclaimed by the vast majority of people who think as I do in this country to re-establish Great, repeat Great Britain.

Chris, Wakefield, West Yorkshire

I believe that it is time for this man to go - but who has the power to get rid of him? Presumably he was elected to his position in a democratic manner....no, why not?

Al, Weybridge, UQ

Dr William's views will give encouragement to islamic extremists and also cause them great amusement. I do not think Sharia has any place in British society let alone British law. To coin a cliche, give an inch and they will take a yard.

It is necessary for non muslims to obey the laws of Muslim countries they happen to pass through. Muslims and all other religious groups must obey the laws of Britain if they live here.
To suggest otherwise is the product of a deranged mind.

John, Aberdeen,

Thank God ( er.. ) Gordon´s got more sense than this foolish Archbishop. The woman who was arrested in Saudi knew what the law was and has only herself to blame - when you go to an Arab country, you abide by Sharia law ( I did for five years ) When you come to Britain you abide by British law. I never though I´d say this, but if they don´t like it they should get out.

jim cormick, buenos Aires, Argentina

How can it help social cohesion when the idea is to accept that muslims have a right to be different when it comes to the law? This will build resentment among the silent majority who havent the choice to pick and choose which laws they live by. I assume this is the same Sharia law that sanctions forced marriages for teenage girls and advocates stoneing women to death for being too immodestly dressed.

carol, Leicester, UK

Can Rowan Williams not see his hypocrisy here??
He is the head of a sect that was set up by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I for the express purpose of forcing people to put their loyalty their Monarch and country BEFORE loyalty to their priests and their beliefs.

We have a parliament ... IT makes the laws that apply to all of us and we all get to vote.

Pedro, Stratford,

I have always though the Archbishop of Canterbury was a sound religious thinker, but I now have real doubts. I'm a strong believer that Sharia Law would be unacceptable to the vast majority of British people. As I gay man, does Dr Williams also support the view that I should be stoned to death, as Sharia Law dictates? I'm disgusted by his vile views on this subject.

Philip, Manchester,

Never. This should not be allowed to happen. Although these courts would be voluntary people will be pressured into accepting religious jurisdiction. Also, who decides if you are a Muslim (or a Christian!). One should be free to change religion or stop believing at any time.

There should be no official religious alternatives, and if there are lets have one for EVERY religion. We can have thousands, all equally valid. It'll be great fun. Ahem.

Alasdair Cameron, London/Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Does this mean that as a British Christian, if I have a row with my girlfriend I can convert to Islam, kill her, and a get away with it by saying she was cheating on me?

A country cannot function with different sets of laws from one group of people to another, especially when "changing" from one group to another is as simple as converting to a different faith (think parents changing faiths to bag a good school place for their kids). This completely undermines the principle of blind, objective law on which our justice system is based.

"integration" is the person adapting to the community, not vice versa. Mixing religion with our legal system is cultural suicide; it will put us back in the dark ages.

Rubbish. Dr. Williams should be ashamed of himself.

Peter K, London, England

This is wrong I am Muslim but against Sharia Law

Moez, Hayes, United Kingdom

Didn't Henry II settle this nonsense some time ago?

Bill Paoli, Oakland, USA / California

Ah well, those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad.

Well, they can make the Archbishop mad, but what have the rest of us done to deserve destruction?

Sharia Law is, yet another, gob pf grease on the slippery slope that we do not want, need or deserve.

GeoffH, Cumbria,

What a ridiculous and dangerous suggestion.There is no reason at all why people cannot consult the mediator of their choice ,but British law must be paramount. Islam oppresses women all over the world with Sharia.
This is a Western Democracy and our values must be upheld.

Sam, Maidstone, UK

You couldn't make it up.

Roo, London,

Mr Williams would be well advised to spend his, no doubt, limited time concentrating on filling the pews of the C of E's churches. It does not, as it were, lie within his 'gift' to make the kind of accommodations he proposes. More importantly, the guileless Archbishop seems unaware that a ruthless competitor is flexing its muscles... for this faith is expansionary and a great nibbler of concessions granted.

Rick Elliott, Bosworth, England