British Law + Sharia Law, never the twain shall meet. Or can it?
Just quickly, this….
Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams, who said that it “seems inevitable” that elements of Sharia Muslim law would be incorporated into British legislation.
Almost instantly the comments have been greeted with shock and condemnation from nearly every corner of British society. Christian groups, secular groups, the head of the equality watchdog, several high-profile Muslims and MPs from all parties have all strongly condemned the statement. A spokesman for Prime Minister Gordon Brown said this morning, “sharia law cannot be used as a justification for committing breaches of English law, nor should the principles of sharia law be included in a civil court for resolving contractual disputes.”
The essential question is whether Muslims living in Britain should have a different set of laws that apply to them that are in accordance with Sharia law. The issue is especially pertinent in divorce proceedings, which under Sharia law are extremely strict and not very favorable to women. (Read more here)
Related:
I was looking for the appropriate place to post this and I am not sure I did, so please forgive me if it seems out of place with the discussion….
I came across this as a piece of Praise for God. It is very good news for 12 of our brothers and sisters in Egypt. Please read on….
» EGYPT — Egyptian Court Recognizes Faith of 12 Converts to Christianity
Praise God! An Egyptian court has recognized the faith of 12 converts to Christianity. The decision overturns a lower court ruling which said the state need not recognize conversions from Islam because it constituted “apostasy,” an act often treated as a capital crime in the Muslim world.
Read the full article here. http://www.salememail.net/glskjdkp_beremhei.html
Melanie,
Thanks for the link! Certainly we must remember to keep our persecuted brothers and sisters in our prayers!
Sounds like it has set a precedent when it says…
According to Compass Direct News, a lawyer for the 12 Coptic Christians described the case as a victory for human rights and freedom of religion that will open the door for hundreds of other Copts who want to return to their original faith from Islam.
Most people are not aware that Egypt used to be a predominantly Christian country.
There is still more needed for true freedom however because it goes on to say…
There is concern, however, over the ruling’s mandate that the converts’ former religion must be noted in their official documents, as this could leave them vulnerable to discrimination. Thank the Lord for this victory. Pray that these individuals will not be subject to further discrimination. Pray that those who were born into Muslim families and convert to Christianity will also have their conversions recognized by the Egyptian government.
Your welcome! I just was so glad of some good news in this area that allows our brothers and sisters there “…to go on leading a calm and quiet life.” (1 Tim. 2:2) . To God be the Glory! We so often sadly read of the reverse(I just really myself started getting updates from “Voice of the Martyrs” and have a map of the “hotspots” near my prayer closet to remind me (http://www.persecution.com). Otherwise, I would get so distracted with burdens for others ( I just had a friend have a serious cancer return) and my own concerns. I was glad just to see you reminding us again your response. Yet I have to admit that it seems the pattern is when persecution is high that more hearts are turned to the Lord. Islam is often portrayed as “the fastest growing religion” but I believe that can more often be attributed to their “walled garden” process of conversion and membership.