Archbishop of Canterbury under fire after giving ‘Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation’ award to Muslim cleric who praised Bin Laden – on anniversary of 9/11
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, is facing criticism for presenting Tahir Ashrafi with the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation at Lambeth Palace on 11 September, the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Critics argue the award showed poor judgement because Ashrafi had previously praised Osama bin Laden, whose al-Qaeda network carried out the attacks.
Ashrafi’s Pakistan Ulema Council awarded bin Laden the title “Sword of Allah” in 2007, after Britain gave Salman Rushdie a knighthood. Terrorism survivor Travis Frain, politicians, Christian Concern and the National Secular Society called for an apology, greater engagement with terrorism victims and scrutiny of Ashrafi’s views, including his support for Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.
- Archbishop criticised over award to cleric who praised bin Laden
- Ceremony took place on the 25th anniversary of 9/11
- Critics demand an apology and greater due diligence