I'm appalled that some people seem to react to the mention of Sharia law with utter panic, instead of bothering to reread what Williams has actually said.
He is mainly proposing dialogue between people who follow different legal systems so that an acceptable solution can be reached.
Whether we like it or not, there are groups of people in the UK whose greatest loyalty is to their religion, not to the legal system of the country where they happen to live.
You can: (a) find ways to discuss the situation reasonably, so they can see you aren't against their religion as such, you just want a reasonable and humane outcome.
Or (b) tell them you won't listen to anything to do with their religion and they'll just have to shut up and do as we say.
Which of these two attitudes is the most likely to result in a terrorist response?

Give Rowan Williams a chance. He was there on 9/11. He knows how desperately we need dialogue with Muslims.

Liz H, Cardiff,

People have jumped before thinking. We are a country of ‘don’t rock-the-boat’. Debate is always a good thing. Give him a chance.

Melvyn Chambers, Mansfield, England

I do not agree with the criticism of Rowan Williams regarding his remarks on Sharia law, we do still have freedom of speech in this country and he is entitled to his opinion.

I myself do not agree that a Christian country should have to accept or support Sharia Law. I do not have a problem with any nationality, religion or colour living in the UK regardless whether they are born here or not, provided they live here peacefully and abide by the law of land.
I personally can not understand why a British born Asian would want Sharia Law - is this because they do not see themselves as British.

When in Rome

Issac, DERBYSHIRE, ENGLAND

What is the matter with Anglicans these days? Muslims never appease to Christians, so why should we to them? Look at the situation here in Kosovo...We are persecuted for our Christian faith by Dr. Williams' Muslim friends.

Srdjan Petrovic, Mitrovica, Serbia

Religion should not be a part or have any influence over the law. Otherwise how do we ensure that individuals in a multicultural society are treated equally within the legal system? Religion is a belief/way of life that an individual can choose to follow and that right must be respected. However, the laws of this free and democratic country must apply to all British citizens and living within that legal framwork is not. a choice .

J S White, Harrogate, Nort Yorkshire

You have Rowan Williams. We have Robin Williams.
I think we win inasmuch as our is intentionally disconnected from reality.

Arthur, Pittsburgh, PA

Any criticism of the Archbishop must be a courteous and measured response to what he has actually said. We may, or may not, agree with Archbishop Rowan - but we should resist and challenge the mindless abuse being thrown at him; and welcome his intelligent, rational, objective and articulate thinking to help understand the many complex situations within society

Philip Reynolds, Skelmanthorpe, UK

Which of us has no need to be challenged in our thinking or in our way of living out the gospel? Thank God for one who does precisely that without wishing to stay anonymous. Perhaps those who feel they have no need of challenge shouldn't actually be on Synod. Thank you Archbishop for making me stop and think!

Tim, West Midlands, England

his words was taken out of context, this man has never suggested any alternative to English law he asked for introduction of few codes that are incompliance with English law. like Islamic mortgage that already exists. The fact that suggestion came from Archbishop of Canterbury only scores positive points to both Christianity and the British society. I am a Muslim although I never like to live under sharia law I respect this man for his tolerance towards other religions. I think both right wing British people and Muslim fanatics should learn a lesson of tolerance from this man.

dario, London,

I have a better job for the Archbishop.
Let him go to the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia to spread the Gospel.
When he has succeeded in preaching with the Bible to Arabs on the street without suffering state incarceration, and has succeeded in planting enough churches to continue with the Christian missionary work, he can come back here and talk to us about the Sharia law.

Oje Mi Oje, London,

Yes, Arcbishop - do not give way. We pray for you.

Preb J D Andrews, Scarborough, N Yorks, UK

I am amazed at the hostile, hysterical, knee jerk reactions against the Archbishop coming from politicians, church-members and the public in general - and from Ruth Gledhill. Have any of these people actually read the Archbishop's lecture? As he points out, English law already allows for religious courts in some matters, including for the Church of England and for Orthodox Jews. He's not talking about penal codes, and certainly nothing that conflicts with British law, but for third party arbitration in some civil matters, which, again, is already allowed under British law. Give the man the respect of at least understanding what he's saying!

Gary Bennett, Monrovia, CA, USA

the status of women under Sharia Law is disgraceful, a man can divorce his wife by simply saying I divorce thee 3 times not so a woman. she has no rights to children etc., it is total domination by males. They are caught in a time warp. civilisation has passed them by. if we do not make a stand the next step will be Talibanisation of this country. The Archbishop may have a fine intellect but he woefully short on commomsence

Burke, Whitley Bay, England

my grandchildren are not allowed to mention EASTER in school in case it affends the muslin children also attending the same school is ISLAM to dictate what our children can be taught now

david benfield, NORTHAMPTON,

Rowan Williams' comments concerning Sharia Law's adoption to suit certain areas of the UK and his description in his own statement of the UK as a "secular society" simply highlights the need to re-assess the Church of England's privileged status as the Established Church.
In the space of a generation, this church has progressively retreated from it's central role in our community, sponsoring youth work and care for the elderly amongst many other activities, to become simply a property-company providing religious services to a small minority of the population.

Brian Handley, Warrington, Cheshire

If Geoffrey Fisher (Archibishop of Canterbury 1945-61) had told a war-weary Britain that a dose of National Socialism might be good for social cohesion, he would have been condemned as a dangerous crackpot. Doesn't Rowan Willaims understand that the civilised world is weary of terrorism, and a dose of sharia law is the last thing we want. Brave men don't suck up to the enemy.
Yes, we are a tolerant society, but 7/7 breached all tolerance and Dr Williams has been extremely insensitive to those who were bereaced or maimed on that day. Henceforth, I shall be ashamed to admit that my brother went to the King's School, Canterbury, because there will be no pride in Anglican connections.

Mary Rutley, Epsom, England

I am very disappointed by the debate (and preconceptions) entered into by Rowan Williams. His comments are open to, at best, misconstruction and, at worst, belittling his already beleaguered position as head of the Church in the UK. He has, albeit unwittingly, sgeregated the communities that most of us wish to unite and, indeed, the majority of us would like to see fully integrated into 'Britain'. Instead, at a stroke he has encouraged us to view other religions with renewed distrust.
His odd 'mad professorial' appearance can only serve as a warning that these, whilst not the first of his madcap comments, will not be the last. He has singlehandedly driven a massive wedge between 'normal' Christians and those of other faiths.
It is without doubt one of the biggest faux pas we have seen in recent times.
He must retract his statements, as perceived by the public at large, unequivocally and immediately before more damage is done.
Resignation may be the only answer.

Alastair MacKenzie, Norwich,

If we accept Sharia law into this country, how long before some men of other faiths will think "I'll have some of that - many wives to boss around, complete with extra State Benefit." and what say would their wife have if a man converted to the Muslim faith and imported extra wives into their home. Also how long before young children at school are taught that it is an O.K. thing to do.

Rita, Exeter, UK

RESIGN RESIGN RESIGN

Is this our only solution these days?

Why do we keep creating more "out-of-bounds" discussions? Over time we consistantly limiting the spectrum of public debate.

Mr Williams should stay.

James Tinney, London,

When, at last, we can actually understand something he says, we realise what a dangerous person he is. He should be giving a lead to Christians in standing up against the Islamic threat in this country, let alone the world. he should do the honourable thing and resign forthwith.

A Collingwood-Sherman, Wimborne, England

Should we also apply to the Beth Din the same logic that most commentators (correctly, IMHO) apply to this call to apply Sharia Law in Britian?

If not, why not?

Richard Bridge, Rochester, Kent

Rowan Williams might well be regarded as a 'thinker' but he didn't do much thinking when he opened his 'big trap'
He is simply a 'publicity seeker' very much in the same vein as Sir Ian Blair, the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis.
He should resign or be sacked!!!!

Michael, London,

Ruth - you and me and many others need to get on our knees. It is Lent is it not?

I suspect I won't live long enough to hear you being magisterial - but some objectivity would be welcome.

In the meanwhile I'll settle for a profound silence.

allan Sheath, exeter,

I cannot think of any sane or creditable reason for this latest onslaught on our christian church by its so called leader. Does he have some problem with muslim woman that he would wish the outrageous treatment that they suffer in arab countries to become common practice in the UK. Has he ever been to an arab country and witnessed the total comtempt of the muslim male for their female relatives
To any muslim who wants sharia law, I would suggest they move to a country that operates it.
Enjoy your religion, whatever it is, in the UK or elsewhere but attempt to force it upon your hosts will eventually release a fury that you cannot imagine.
As for the archbishop, his resignation is now overdue

micheal, barrow gurney, north somerset

The Archbishop of Canterbury should get out more. Not foreseeing the adverse reaction of the public at large to his attitude towards Sharia laws, shows that he is so cocooned within the church that he has no idea what is happening on the outside. He says that his comments have been taken out of context, but does not seem to realise that they should not have been made at all.

Sue Sussman, London, UK

As a Social Conservative, I feel it's time people grew up and stopped livng in a bubble I support Dr Williams and I do not feel as he has said anything wrong in fact he was trying to embrace the many not the few. Like it or not our country is multi cultured and multi faith The Archbishop is right to begin a mature debate. It's sad that some people are not so mature like Blunkett, when are people going to learn you can debate issues without meaning they should became the 'law' or 'norm' I'm sure there are parts of Sharia Law they would benefit people . He is not talking about a parallel law framwork but the ideas behind sharia faith as well as the rest of the Islamic faith. Please stop your knee jerk reactions and start thinking about what is being said, then we can go along way to having a more safe and understanding country.

Alexander D Leaney, Haywards Heath, West Sussex

i think he should be left in peace and that people should try to be a little more open minded sometimes people say things witch can be miss understood so if the people can forgive and forget really it is them who have the problem not the bishop is oright really

abraham, london, united kingdome

Rowan Williams is unable to stop stores from selling Christmas paraphernalia from the start of September or Easter eggs from the start of January. So how does he justify his title, let alone his latest musing?

Theo Nelson, South Hams,

1) Just because some aspects of sharia law are horrible, it doesnt mean its all bad.
2) Just because christians are mistreated in muslim countries, it doesnt mean we should disregard muslims completely here.
3) To this anonymous person.. you dont want to be held responsible for your opinion, but you say the archbishop should resign because of his. Right, you are very wise...
4) I dont think the archbishop is talking about creating a parallel system, but rather about integration.
5) I think people who make all this fuss and send "patriotic" and "proud" remarks just because today's game is "shoot the archbishop" aren exactly proving that theyre wiser than him.

Alex, Birmingham, UK

I previously thought that it was the Episcopal Church of the United States that was Marching to Irrelevance. Now the ABC has shown that he wants to go there too. perhaps he will lead them there after all. How can the leaders of these religioius institutions so totally lose sight of their fundamental purpose?

Ralph Chicago

Ralph O'Hara, Chicago, USA

I am a Canadian and have watched the same rubish take place here in my country. Like the UK, Canada is quickly losing it's identity. I left the Anglician Church of Canada last month and I was still asking myself if I made the right choice?
Thanks Dr. Williams, I'm not asking myself that anymore.

Scott Betty

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Scott, Calgary, Albera

Heated arguments of media ‘sound bites’ does not constitute productive or informed debate. In Australia, it has been determined that in some circumstances the application of tradition aboriginal ‘law’ Is most appropriate in encouraging the desired outcome.

Stephen, Sydney, Australia

He seems to know what he's saying, let us hear his explanation then will decide if his in or out of his senses

ebrahim, laudium, south africa

Religion - of any creed - should have no part in the legal system or any other aspect of public life. If people want to believe in fairies, goblins, Father Christmas or God, good luck to them, but don't inflict this archaic nonsense on the rest of us.

Paul, Wassenaar, The Netherlands

It would indeed be useful to have a look at some Sharia rules which could make the planet a better world. Real globalisation means also to overcome defaulting national legal systems and look forward to a common system of rules. This would help to fight child work in third world countries as well as oligarchic structures in economy.

Efried, Graz, Austria

This used to be GREAT Britain with British Laws - it is now NOT so Great Britain. If the British go to other countries to live - we abide by their laws. It should be the same if people come here to live. If people do not want to abide by our laws - then go to a country that has your laws.

R, Rhyl,

I think the Williams is a very clever guy. I think he does not believe what he has said. I believe his intention was to first draw our attention to what is desired by many and to make clear what is the majority opinion on such a suggestion. The effect being to prevent changes to law by a drift occurring behind closed doors by certain interested parties.

Paul, Newcastle,

'part of Sharia law should be introduced' .. trouble is, same as any law, you can't pick and choose, to say, oh i like the bit about x but we'd better not have the y bit. Dowry good, stoning bad? Sharia has no place in this county's culture or legal systems and the Bish should know that.

Alison, Colwyn Bay, Wales

All religious organisations are death cults and they should have no part in forming laws in this or any other country. The sooner the CoE are disestablished from the state the better. I am afraid this turbulant priest has driven the final nail in this particular coffin for me.

Mike, MIDDLESBROUGH, England

Britain has ruled foreign territories for centuries whereby the Brits imposed their Christian rules on others with unspeakable terror and without impunity.
The inevitable ramifications of imperialism are now fully exposed on their cathredral pulpits.

robert, vancouver, bc !

Arthur, Blythewood what happening in middle east is not good..we should do opposite not repeat it.

dario, London,

Enforced mutilation , cicumcision,of children is not done with the consent of the children, it is not done on the NHS by registered surgeons, when will we see prosecutions for grievious bodily harm or wounding.. These are totally barbaric medieval and pointless mutilations

willi, lincoln, notts

Are we going mad. This is Britain and has our own law laid down. No other law should that is different should ever be contemplated. Anyone not willing to accept ours fully in every way should go to another country.

Campbell Whyte, Beverley, UK

Is the Christian bible any less horrific than the Koran? Regardless, the system of law we have now, whatever its basis, is unfair to women and certainly the poor.

Alan Dutton, Vancouver, Canada

Such call at such high level can unite rather than divide religions co-existing over one land simply because relations can't stay static: they are either heading forward or backward.
Let's see it with open eyes as we are all concerned.

Reem, Warwick, UK

I, for one, am more than happy to boycott the C of E.

Lilian, shanghai, china

What I worry more about than British people "loosing " their indentity , is them losing their ability to spell their own language.

patrick, Hague, Netherlands

Now I understand why Tony Blair converted to the roman Catholic faith

David, Hampstead, Canada

I am a muslim but do not support parallel laws. It is insane to have two parallel laws in ONE country. Oh and by the way Sharia law is hugely flawed and widely contradicts the real Islamic and Humaitarian values.

Aamir Islam, London,

I fully support the call for his resignation.

He'd do better if he spent more time dealing with the crisis of faith the Christian church is suffering the UK.

W Smith, Manchester,

I commend his strength and capability to stand against all Islam phobics. Britain is multicultural society and the laws must reflect that.

Obaid Al-Habsy, Muscat, Oman

can we have a referendum on immigration?

Benjamin, London,

Has the Archbishop never heard of the saying "When in Rome do as the Romans do". If we go abroad to the middle or far east or anywhere else for that matter we have to abide the rules and laws of that country. Why should Britain be any different. British people are now becoming a minority in their own country.

J Butterill, Cleethorpes, ENGLAND

If you live in my house, you either follow my rules or you move out.
Who owns the UK house?

Robert Walker, Irvington, USA

I think the British Empire should think long and hard before you start trying to make exceptions to the law of the land. Being an American i can tell you first hand that as soon as you change laws or make exceptions for one group then you'll have every group wanting something different and as soon as you say no, look out because you will be acused of discrimination from everyone you don't appease. This leads to total caos and sends your country into a downward spiral. You worry about unity now, wait till you have twenty groups of people going twenty different ways.

Gene, los angeles, usa

Attention Men!
Hide your women after all they are second class and belong to you. I am sure that the archbishop of candyland thinks that harems and berkas are also a good idea.

It's sad to see what England is coming to.

--cheers
Bob Armstrong, USA

Bob Armstrong, South Carolina, USA

Our law has elements of Roman, French and German law in it. So what if elements of Sharia are added ?

Rowan Williams is right.

Allen, Surrey, UK

There seem to be a few considering leaving the Anglican church over this headline. Catholicism? Not Islam, I'm guessing. Might I suggest you look at the brochure for Atheism?

T di Porcacchi, Syracuse,

i think it is time for this out of touch fool moved on.
clearly has absolutly no idea what the MAJORITY want. i will bekeeping my family away from church until he is gone, and i will make sure that my reveren knows why? i am discusted with this poor support.....

tony , kent,

I was slaughtered at a recent dinner party for suggesting that Britain could possibly become an Islamic state within the next 50 - 100 years. I think it's practically inescapable.

john, bexhill-on-sea, east Sussex

Hon, Bishp is merely sugesting an idea that some of civil sharia law could be adopted within the British law for only those who choose to be dealt by Sharia, he's not sugesting to change criminal law or even civil to apply to every one, for example i am muslim living in a democratic and free society, would any one force me to get married in a church, or take my funeral to a church instead a mosque, or distribute my assets left after death in any way? if you say no then i think the Bishp is right, if you say yes then this is not free society but dictatership wraped in a word of Demoracy. This civil law has been and still is in use for hundreds of years for JEWS, i am surprised no one objected it or even commented on it. Because propoganda against muslims is so powerfull, people dont think twice before jumping on them.

S.S.Kazmi, Bradford, UK

I am very sad that he has made this statement . I feel as a priest in the Canterbury Diocese that he is now no longer my Father in God and that I now possibly belong to the wrong church.

Anon, Canterbry, Kent

Yet another nail in the coffin of democracy.
Men like this Priest are the best recruiting sargeants the BNP have.
Doesn't he realise that his comments are swellingg the ranks olf the extremists on both sides?
There should be one law, the Civil and Criminal Law of the United Kingdom. this Law should apply to everyone Christian, Jew Muslim Sikh or Hindu. There should be no consistory courts, or other religious courts in our lands.
This is what comes of having liberals in charge of areas of faith and belief.

Howard, Basildon, England

I am sure many muslims come to the UK because of the law and freedoms within the UK.

Let Williams have his say, debate it , and ignore the old codger!

Chris, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

The Archbishop’s comments were made in what has been described as academic language to lawyers. So we are too ignorant to understand all he said.

Of necessity and by its very nature, the Law must belong to everybody, so its principles have to be simple. Whatever anyone in the UK says, or may think, there is one law that outranks all others - Parliamentary law. Question that and the danger real.

JAck, Glasgow, UK

Surely the Archbishop's time and energy would be betterspent saving the Church of England from going down the pan.

A C of E Vicar has never callled at my house. The Roman Catholic priest has, the Mormans have, the Jehovas witness have - but not my church!

M Cole, Basingstoke,

The worshiping of multiculturalism by the west is yet another nail in our sociocultural coffin!

Lawrence Cline, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.

Why sharia law Dr Williams?

Why not back to the days of ecclesiastical law?

John Collins, Bromley, Kent,

Who will rid me of this turbulent priest ?

Colin Ovenstone, Lawrence, Kansas, U.S.A.

I don't agree with the Archbishop of Canterbury's opinion on bringing in parts of sharia law- but I don't think he should resgin for holding it either. In fact common sense would suggest that as those anglican bishops who disagreed with him should be the ones to resign.

simon, Aberystwyth,

I sympathise with Archbishop for saying that part of the Sharia Law can be introduced in UK. The mass media is making a fuss over his statement as if he is supporting cutting the heads and taking away the women's rights. He is not telling to bring such aspects of the law. Rather he is trying to highlight the importance of accommodating a few aspects that would indeed help the British society to live in harmony. I feel that the British government also did not understand his position and fell into the mediamania immediately.

Prof Rev Dr Joshva Raja
Tutor
World Christianity
Queens College
Birmingham

Professor Dr Joshva Raja, Birmingham, UK

The Archbishop is not bonkers. He does not think Sharia law is above UK law as some people mistakingly believe. He is simply describing what is already happening on the ground and saying we ought to have sharia law fit in with our overall legal and social system, not exist outside it. Ultimately, we have to decide between integration and assimilation. He has chosen integration and he is quite right.. People should not feel threatened by this.

Richard Warren, London, UK

If this anonymous source thinks it's so bad, why doesn't he stand up and say it?

Raymon, London,

The Archbishop has in the past taken what are obviously very liberal positions on almost all topices, which, if the members and leaders of the Church of England agree, is fine. But this particular pronouncement--has anyone questioned whether the good Archbishop still has a firm grip on reality?

Does the Archbishop really want to see people stoned to death, whipped for infractions, or young women who are raped adjuged just as guilty as the rapist?

It seems to me that if you are in Britain, for whatever reason, then you are subject to British law and only British law. I certainly don't see the clerics in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, or any other Muslim country calling for a portion of the people there to be subject to British law, or the law of any other liberal western democracy.

It does seem odd to me that so many opinion leaders in Britain want to surrender British culture, British law, and traditional British religion to other cultures.

Terry L. Walker, Ladson, S.C. / USA

"The senior Synod member, who insisted on remaining anonymous,"

If you are going to call for someone's resignation, you should do it publicly. Why expect someone to resign for their comments, but refuse to take responsibility for your own comments?
NB I don't support sharia law in Britain.

Ben Stevenson, Leeds, UK

Perhaps a visit to Mecca, Teheran, or Iraq would change his mind. Ironic that Christians are being driven out of the Mideast while the archbishop speaks out in favor of the system that comepls them to leave. O tempora, o mores!

Arthur, Blythewood, SC/USA

This is BRITAIN, I live in ENGLAND and we should live under ENGLISH law, no other. This is getting totally ridiculous. Equality - yes, but we cannot loose any more of what Britian, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are. The English especially are loosing their identity. Soon, we'll be nothing.

Louisa, Winchester,

The most depressig thing about this whole affair is that Williams is correct. In fact, the Government is already bowing to Sharia Law in Britain in its attempt to impose multiculturalism as the only acceptable way forward for British culture. Witness :

- Sharia Banking already established and spreading;
- Polygamy now supported by the benefit agencies and immigration authorities;
- Wearing of Burkas now supported in schools;
- Oxford 'considering' appeal for Islamic call to prayers;
- Public Sector setting aside of prayer rooms and time off work;

I was hoping to be able to return to Britain in the future. At this rate I won't recognise it.


- Islamic Schools to receive funding from taxpayers;
-

Edwin, Bucharest,

Why must we have to put up with this man who thinks he can speak for us although he has never been elected

Mark, London,

Which ever country you live in, you have to obey their laws. If you dont like it move.

Colin, Colchester,

But the government has already turned a blind eye to Sharia Law in parts of Britain. They are wholly responsible for the catastrophic situation that has allowed this to happen in order to appease the muslim lobbyists.

Richard K, Nottingham,

Wrong he certainly was - the suggestion may even appear crazy.
However their will be some Muslims who would of course like to
see this change but are frightened to even open the debate for fear of the tabloid backlash and hysterical response it would bring. I believe this was Mr Williams motive, to open a debate even if it has been and should be a very short one. Personally I regard Mr Blunkett as far more dangerous.

Mark, Epping, Essex

The archbishop should resign immediately as should the parliament the members of which have themselves undermined many aspects of this nation and encouraged this mindset, through sanctioning and institutionalising rampant political correctness..

Dave, Chorley, UK

A further example as to why the Church of England must be disestablished and the Bishops removed from the legislature, but which government will have the guts to rid us of such turbulent priests?

Alexander Nixon, Durham, UK

Promote Bishop Nazir Ali, he, at least, has a much firmer grip and is willing to stand up for his faith.

David Leslie, Perth, Scotland

I think it is striking that today's most read story is "Archbishop argues for Islam law in Britain", and the second most read is "Religious police in Saudi Arabia arrest mother for sitting with a man".

David Crabbe, Washington, DC

I congratulate the arch bishop for trying to open individuals to discussions on other ways of life. It surprise’s me that so many are in an uproar over this. It just show’s how well the anti-Islam propaganda war has done. Over the next few years as the economies of the US and UK come under more pressure, the influence of Muslim nations such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia is only going to increase. The UK should expect more of the same.

sohiab, london, herts

Once again...Muslims in UK are getting the blame for a decision made by a Christian.

Remember the 'three little pigs' story?

Mohammed, London, UK

Well, it's very very easy. Just make civil marriage a general principle, as it is the case already in most European countries. After that, you can still marry in a church according to religious rules.

Peter Bernecker, MD, Vienna, Austria

he stumbles from one crisis to another, a cas of foot in mouth all the time. what next ,? joint services in our churches? time for him to go...

a. service, london, england

Rowan Williams is a brilliant, learned and gentle man, but he shouldn't be in charge of anything more complex than the Senior Common Room tea trolley.

Frank Upton, Solihull,

Well, I live in the Middle East and consider myself reasonably well-informed about cultural issues here.

I am astonished that Dr. Williams should express such views. In fact he has damaged the UK Muslim community in their attempts to be taken seriously on a number of issues.

Such ineptitude and naievete is not acceptable in a churchman of his seniority and standing and he should resign immediately.

Save further sermons for your "long awaited" memoirs, Dr. Wiliams.

Rob, Dubai, UAE

On yer bike Bish! And get a haircut.

Dave, Exmouth, UK

All he said was that it was inevitable.Nobody knows how many Muslims are in this country and estimates suggest millions more will arrive in the next 10 years.Our Govt.already go out of their way to agree to whatever Muslims want ,so I agree there is some sort of inevitability about this.Look at the announcement this week that Muslim men on benefit can now claim for 4 wives.If I had 4 wives I would be arrested and tried for bigamy,but Muslims get financial benefits.As they are now forming such an ever increasing part of our population and all will be able to vote,Sharia Law will be inevitable with our weak craven politicians who will go along with anything just to get voted in and have their snouts in the trough for a few more years .

Mike, Dunstable, England

As I understand only Her Majesty can fire the Archbishop ?

Richard sixsmith, Belgrade, Serbia

are you sure ian edge wasn't talking about religious rites? there are no religious rights other than the freedom to believe what you will and to be left to practice your religion provided it is not anti-social (ie - doesn't break the law).

the laws must be fair and sensible. religion is neither fair nor sensible. the archbishop's views are irrelevant to most people. more than that, they seem to be irrelevant to most of his own church.

jem, london, uk

I do not think it is a good idea to affiliate sharia law with a most democtratic common law system. In this regard I support Mr Blunket's argument that it "would be wrong democratically and philosophically but it would be catastrophic in terms of social cohesion". In my point of view it would be better to secularise our society with essense of human rights rather than toxicate our young generation with some religious believes.

Rahand Raza, Birmingham,

Its against my religion to pay tax - do you think the govt will take account of that???????

Rob, London,

Williams must resign.

His remarks on Sharia law are the last straw. Last night my wife and I discussed converting to Roman Catholicism. I just don't see how I can remain in a Church which is so prepared to compromise with a wholly alien faith and culture.

Mark, Berkhamsted,

It is not right for someone, whose job it is to speak for the Worldwide Anglican Community, to promote Sharia law which is used to persecute Christians in Islamic countries.

Stephen Holmes, Stockport, England

I think people have the right to say what they want to say and share their idea's, I dont necessarly agree with everything Dr Williams said, specially dont agree about 911 wasnt evil!! but I think he was right when he said:

''certain conditions of sharia are already recognised in our society and under our law, so it is not as if we are bringing in an alien and rival''

I think he needs to be more specific on which part of sharia he would like to interduce and study.. there is no harm in seeing a different point of view of how things are running!! surely thats the way we improve and make a better system.. as there is always room for improvement...

James, Worcester park, Surrey

Makes me ashamed to be Anglican. Williams is enough to cause many to go over to Rome.

Linda, New York City, USA

Can an Archbishop be sacked on the grounds of being completely unfit for the job or are they similar to Labour politicians, totally untouchable no matter how incompetent or corrupt ?

Rick, London, England

Please go !
Unreal what has happened ! Sharia law can NEVER be introduced alongside British law, it would be a complete disgrace.
If they don't like it, they are free to immigrate, simple as that !

francisco, London,

We have enough problems within the Anglican Communion, 'specially here in the United States. God protect us.
Susie, Houston, TX

Susie, Houston, TX

For god's sake, I don't agree with what he said but what's with the sudden trend for calling for resignation over a single slip-up?

For an archbishop, we could have someone so much worse.

Jen Slocombe , Exeter,

Regardless of how much it costs he should be made to go! Look at what religious bureaucracy has allowed to happen to boys in the Catholic Church. Nip it in the bud!

Tasha, London,

The moral authority of a church that was established to uphold the monarchy and forms part of the government was always questionable. This is another case of the C of E leadership "accomodating" others as a way of keeping peace. That may have worked in with the brainwshed and unwashed generations of the past, but the priest is no longer the only man in the community who can read a book. Welcome to the 21st Century Dr Williams.

KR, Stockport,

Will somebody rid us of this turbulent priest?

Ian, London,

Get this guy out NOW. Appeasement like this shows weakness on a grand scale, you can't afford it.

Leslie-Ann, Vancouver, Canada

Can an Archbishop be impeached? Is there a mechanism for getting rid of an incumbent who has demonstrated clear unfitness for purpose?
Apart from the furore raised by his infelicitous suggestion there must inevitably be pertinent questions raised whether this man is competent to fulfill his expected pastoral role - his recent comments including this latest one gives cause for very real doubts as to whether he has the relevant attributes to carry on in his role.

Rohan, Solihull, UK