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28/05/2014
Row Breaks Out After Robinson Backs Evangelical Pastor
A political row has broken out following Peter Robinson's backing of an evangelical pastor who is currently under police investigation for suspected hate crimes against the Muslim community.
Pastor James McConnell made headlines this week after he told his congregation that Islam was a "heathen" doctrine and that it was "spawned in hell". He spoke of Muslim "cells" and likened the religion to the IRA.
But First Minister Peter Robinson defended the pastor's views in an interview with the Irish News.
He said he would not trust Muslims who were involved in "terrorist activities" or those "fully devoted to Sharia law", but said he would "trust them to go down the shops."
Martin McGuinness said Mr Robinson needed to "show leadership in promoting equality, tolerance and mutual respect for all."
The deputy First Minister said: "All of us in positions of leadership have a responsibility to represent and stand up for all the people of our society.
"We have a duty to promote equality, mutual respect and tolerance for all in our society based on the core principles contained in the Good Friday Agreement.
"I value the diversity and multicultural nature of our society the significant and valuable contribution the Muslim community makes to this society day and daily. There is a real need for all of us those in positions of responsibility to step out of our own political constituencies and religious groupings and show genuine political leadership for all."
Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson said: "People of all faiths and none, must be welcomed by all in Northern Ireland. As First Minister, Peter Robinson has a duty to represent the country and I am dismayed by his comments that he would only trust a Muslim to get him something from a shop. That is extremely demeaning and disrespectful to an entire religion.
"The diversity in Northern Ireland strengthens our society, not weakens it. The comments by Pastor McConnell and Peter Robinson fall far short of what is expected of them."
But in response to Mr McGuinness's comments, Peter Robinson tweeted this morning: "I won’t take lectures from a self-confessed leader of a bloody terrorist organisation on equality, tolerance and mutual respect for all."
(IT/CD)
Pastor James McConnell made headlines this week after he told his congregation that Islam was a "heathen" doctrine and that it was "spawned in hell". He spoke of Muslim "cells" and likened the religion to the IRA.
But First Minister Peter Robinson defended the pastor's views in an interview with the Irish News.
He said he would not trust Muslims who were involved in "terrorist activities" or those "fully devoted to Sharia law", but said he would "trust them to go down the shops."
Martin McGuinness said Mr Robinson needed to "show leadership in promoting equality, tolerance and mutual respect for all."
The deputy First Minister said: "All of us in positions of leadership have a responsibility to represent and stand up for all the people of our society.
"We have a duty to promote equality, mutual respect and tolerance for all in our society based on the core principles contained in the Good Friday Agreement.
"I value the diversity and multicultural nature of our society the significant and valuable contribution the Muslim community makes to this society day and daily. There is a real need for all of us those in positions of responsibility to step out of our own political constituencies and religious groupings and show genuine political leadership for all."
Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson said: "People of all faiths and none, must be welcomed by all in Northern Ireland. As First Minister, Peter Robinson has a duty to represent the country and I am dismayed by his comments that he would only trust a Muslim to get him something from a shop. That is extremely demeaning and disrespectful to an entire religion.
"The diversity in Northern Ireland strengthens our society, not weakens it. The comments by Pastor McConnell and Peter Robinson fall far short of what is expected of them."
But in response to Mr McGuinness's comments, Peter Robinson tweeted this morning: "I won’t take lectures from a self-confessed leader of a bloody terrorist organisation on equality, tolerance and mutual respect for all."
(IT/CD)
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Muslim schoolgirl wins court case
The Appeal Court has ruled that a Muslim schoolgirl was unlawfully excluded from school because she wore traditional Muslim dress instead of the school uniform. Shabina Begum was sent home from Denbigh High School in Luton, because she was wearing a full-length traditional Muslim gown, known as a jilbab.
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Funding pledge to help tackle extremism
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Funding pledge to help tackle extremism
Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly has pleged funding to help those Muslim groups that oppose extremism. Ms Kelly told a meeting of Muslim organisations opposed to extremism that proactive leadership would be rewarded: "It is not good enough to merely sit on the sidelines or pay lip service to fighting extremism.
06 June 2014
Belfast Pastor Apologises Over Islam Remarks
The Belfast pastor James McConnell from the Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle, who called Islam "heathen" and "satanic", has apologised in a public statement.
Belfast Pastor Apologises Over Islam Remarks
The Belfast pastor James McConnell from the Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle, who called Islam "heathen" and "satanic", has apologised in a public statement.
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Pastor McConnell Meets Assaulted Pakistani men
Northern Ireland Pastor James McConnell, who came under fire after making controversial comments in which he described Islam as "satanic" and "heathen", has visited two Pakistani men who were assaulted at their home in north Belfast.
Pastor McConnell Meets Assaulted Pakistani men
Northern Ireland Pastor James McConnell, who came under fire after making controversial comments in which he described Islam as "satanic" and "heathen", has visited two Pakistani men who were assaulted at their home in north Belfast.
14 October 2009
DUP's Robinson 'Wants More' From No 10
Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson has said that he is looking for further 'clarification' from Prime Minister Gordon Brown about funding for the devolution of responsibility for policing and justice. Sinn Féin have accepted the deal but the DUP wants to go further.
DUP's Robinson 'Wants More' From No 10
Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson has said that he is looking for further 'clarification' from Prime Minister Gordon Brown about funding for the devolution of responsibility for policing and justice. Sinn Féin have accepted the deal but the DUP wants to go further.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
