Menu
06/06/2014
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.
The pastor said: "I had no intention of causing any offence or insulting any member of the Muslim community" and he added he had not intended to "arouse fear or stir-up or incite hatred" towards them.
Mr McConnell said speaking to his congregation in north Belfast on 18 May: "Islam is heathen, Islam is satanic, Islam is a doctrine spawned in hell" and he added other remarks as " a new evil has arisen" or "there are cells of Muslim right throughout Britain".
In the statement that pastor said: "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."
He also remarked on his work in Ethiopia helping children, both Muslims and Christians.
Earlier this week the First Minister of Northern Ireland Peter Robinson visited the Belfast Islamic Centre to make a public apology for his remarks backing the pastor.
Mr Robinson also was heavily criticised after said: "I wouldn't trust Muslims who are following Sharia Law to the letter and neither would he" but added he "would have no difficulty in trusting Muslims to go down to the shop for me."
(CVS)
The pastor said: "I had no intention of causing any offence or insulting any member of the Muslim community" and he added he had not intended to "arouse fear or stir-up or incite hatred" towards them.
Mr McConnell said speaking to his congregation in north Belfast on 18 May: "Islam is heathen, Islam is satanic, Islam is a doctrine spawned in hell" and he added other remarks as " a new evil has arisen" or "there are cells of Muslim right throughout Britain".
In the statement that pastor said: "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."
He also remarked on his work in Ethiopia helping children, both Muslims and Christians.
Earlier this week the First Minister of Northern Ireland Peter Robinson visited the Belfast Islamic Centre to make a public apology for his remarks backing the pastor.
Mr Robinson also was heavily criticised after said: "I wouldn't trust Muslims who are following Sharia Law to the letter and neither would he" but added he "would have no difficulty in trusting Muslims to go down to the shop for me."
(CVS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 June 2014
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.
02 March 2005
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.
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.
28 May 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".
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".
09 September 2008
Top Muslim Cop Suspended Amid Race Case
Britain's top muslim cop has been suspended from duties amid the furore of a high profile race discrimination tribunal. Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur has been put on "authorised leave" from the Metropolitan Police, over fears the media coverage of the case could compromise the "operational effectiveness" of the force.
Top Muslim Cop Suspended Amid Race Case
Britain's top muslim cop has been suspended from duties amid the furore of a high profile race discrimination tribunal. Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur has been put on "authorised leave" from the Metropolitan Police, over fears the media coverage of the case could compromise the "operational effectiveness" of the force.
08 February 2007
Terror suspect criticises investigation
One of the two terror suspects released without charge by police investigating an alleged plot to kidnap and murder a British Muslim soldier has criticised the police investigation.
Terror suspect criticises investigation
One of the two terror suspects released without charge by police investigating an alleged plot to kidnap and murder a British Muslim soldier has criticised the police investigation.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
