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06/06/2014
Whitewell Pastor Issues Apology
Pastor James McConnell has issued a public apology after referring to Islam as "heathen" and "satanic" during a sermon at his church, Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle.
In a statement posted on the church's website, Pastor McConnell said: "I wish to emphasise that I had no intention of causing any offence or insulting any member of the Muslim community or to arouse fear or stir-up or incite hatred towards any member of the Muslim community. I wish to apologise publicly for any distress I may have unwittingly caused on my part.
"My sermon was drawing attention to how many followers of Islam have, regrettably, interpreted the doctrine of Islam as justification for violence. I have qualified my comments by reference to those who use their religion as justification for violence. As a preacher of the word of God, it is this interpretation of the doctrine of Islam which I am condemning.
"I abhor violence and condemn anyone, of any faith, who uses religion to justify it. I have devoted 60 years of my life to the service of God and preached the word of God as a Pastor to thousands of people in our community over my lifetime.
"I have worked tirelessly to promote my Christian doctrine. Many faiths and denominations have attended at the Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle, including members of the Muslim faith. My mission has created a community in Ethiopia which ensures over 600 children a day, including Christans and Muslims, have access to clean water and food. In addition, we fund a clinic in Kenya which provides 1200 people a month with access to medical care.
"I believe in the principle of free speech and in freedom of religion.
"Finally, I also will welcome any opportunity to attend at the Islamic Centre in Belfast in the near future."
(MH/JP)
In a statement posted on the church's website, Pastor McConnell said: "I wish to emphasise that I had no intention of causing any offence or insulting any member of the Muslim community or to arouse fear or stir-up or incite hatred towards any member of the Muslim community. I wish to apologise publicly for any distress I may have unwittingly caused on my part.
"My sermon was drawing attention to how many followers of Islam have, regrettably, interpreted the doctrine of Islam as justification for violence. I have qualified my comments by reference to those who use their religion as justification for violence. As a preacher of the word of God, it is this interpretation of the doctrine of Islam which I am condemning.
"I abhor violence and condemn anyone, of any faith, who uses religion to justify it. I have devoted 60 years of my life to the service of God and preached the word of God as a Pastor to thousands of people in our community over my lifetime.
"I have worked tirelessly to promote my Christian doctrine. Many faiths and denominations have attended at the Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle, including members of the Muslim faith. My mission has created a community in Ethiopia which ensures over 600 children a day, including Christans and Muslims, have access to clean water and food. In addition, we fund a clinic in Kenya which provides 1200 people a month with access to medical care.
"I believe in the principle of free speech and in freedom of religion.
"Finally, I also will welcome any opportunity to attend at the Islamic Centre in Belfast in the near future."
(MH/JP)
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