Welby's Muslim charm offensive

Click here for Archbishop Welby's understanding of Islam, a faith which denies that Jesus died on the cross, a faith that has no time for unbelievers in its political ideology, a political system which is explained here in a 5 minute video for those prepared naively to accept claims that Islam is a religion of peace.

Justin Welby says, "We can show the world around us that it is possible to differ and yet to support and care for one another very, very profoundly. That is particularly important for me and has been growingly so over the last few years when it comes to the unacceptable expression of Islamophobia which is totally against what anyone who professes to have their own faith should do."

The Archbishop then gives his blessing: "May God bless you and protect you as you dedicate yourselves to this time of fasting and discipline. I wish you a very good Ramadan. Ramadan Kareem."

On the same day, the Archbishop of Canterbury said: 'We mourn, we lament, we cry out for the injured and bereaved in Manchester' here. He fails to see the connection. Some leaders, political and religious, would have us believe that such attacks are our own fault, that Western foreign policy is to blame but Islam needs no such excuses.

I find Welby's comment about Islamophobia particularly offensive. It is a word conjured up to avoid any critical assessment of a supremacist ideology. There is nothing irrational in fearing such an ideology which has spread its influence through conquest for 1400 years. Accusations of Islamophobia also serve to obscure the fact as Alexander Boot put it in his blog Massacre, Manchester, Muslims that "Over 300 verses in the Koran explicitly call for murdering infidels, specifically Christians and Jews".

 Regardless of all the evidence to the contrary, Islam is being affirmed by the leader of the Anglican Communion as a great religion on an equal basis with Christianity which Islam is fighting to eliminate as illustrated by the plight of Coptic Christians in Egypt, a pattern being repeated in many other Muslim majority countries.

How can that be? Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me".  He warned us about false prophets, "They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."

Welby is not alone in his charm offensive. See Manchester chief of police posing after bomb attack with the Koran which legitimised the killing. Of course there are many Muslims who would not act as soldiers of Islam but there are many who are prepared to die for their religion and take innocent people with them.

The way to defeat Islam is not by affirming it but to confront the ideology that drives followers to present the ultimatum: convert to Islam, pay a religious levy or face death. The Great Commission is the key.

Bishops: Trust us!

General Synod service in York                                     Photograph: John Giles/PA

Women clergy and their devotees are clearly getting it all their own way. The vote at Synod for Option One brings the prospect of women bishops in the Church of England a step closer. Archbishop Welby's talk of reconciliation has led to a worsening of the position of opponents but a significant advance for WATCH. From their Press Release:  "WATCH remains committed to full engagement with the ongoing process" forgetting to add, only on their own terms in their battle annihilate the enemy. 

Calls from bishops for trust had a hollow ring in the knowledge that they cannot trust themselves. From the Telegraph: "Before they can be considered for a mitre they will have to persuade an archbishop that they are not involved in activity which might be considered sinful – and are not planning to do so." Could that be another hurdle for women candidates too or discrimination against male candidates? 

There were the usual impassioned speeches from talented women who years ago could have done well selling encyclopedias or more recently, unwanted insurance to gullible customers but the reality of the process was greeted with bored indifference when another lady explained that the proposed  route had been followed by the Anglican church in Canada and had proved to be a complete sham. Perhaps because the process already operates here!

In what I thought a very unconvincing interview afterwards, Archbishop Welby suggests that "we will arrive at something that works, that is simple and gives people real security to flourish in the church whatever their views". The question remains, then, if this is the sincere desire of the proponents, why is acceptable provision not made first?