"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