Call to halt spread of mosques
by Jennifer Gold
Posted: Thursday, April 3, 2008, 12:10 (BST)
The debate over Islam's place in British society flared up recently when the Archbishop of Canterbury suggested earlier in the year that the incorporation of some aspects of Sharia law into the British legal system was "unavoidable".
Plans to build a giant mosque next to the site of the 2012 Olympic Games in London have also brought to the surface inter-religious tensions. The proposals, backed by the controversial Tablighi Jamaat group, have met strong opposition from a number of Christians, particularly the leader of the Christian People's Alliance, Cllr Alan Craig.
The Councillor, who defended Bishop Nazir-Ali's 'no-go areas' comments, has repeatedly raised concerns as part of his bid for London Mayor that the area around the mosque will become an enclave for Islamic extremists.
Ms Ruoff continued, "Struggling Christians in Islamic countries cannot understand our foolishness and indeed foolhardiness.
"They are under enormous opposition in Islamic countries and I believe that as a Christian nation we should be doing all we possibly can to help and protect them.
"It must start with the withholding of planning permission in this country. We have enough mosques already."
She warned, "If we don't withhold planning permission to build more mosques in the UK, these Islamic countries will have no reason to listen to our pleas to stop Christian persecution.
A Premier spokesperson urged Christians to listen to the whole interview before drawing any conclusions on Ms Ruoff's comments.
"It's essential to hear all elements of this issue, and not immediately jump to the conclusion that Christians are calling for a blind nationwide ban on mosques," the spokesperson said.
"I would ask that Alison Ruoff's opinions as broadcast on Premier Christian Radio are listened to in full before drawing any conclusions."
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The comments below are readers' personal opinions and are in no way intended to reflect the editorial opinion of Christian Today.
Added: Friday, April 4, 2008, 17:35 (BST)
I wonder if areas round churches are no-go areas for non-Christians. There is a mosque in my area, and it isn't a no-go area for anyone, and isn't the selective withholding of planning permission for mosques as likely to generate retaliation as relaxation of anti-Christian sentiment in Islamic states?
Jethro, Dunblane
Added: Thursday, April 3, 2008, 14:26 (BST)
Dear Sirs:
Thank you for this interesting article.
Regarding the proliferation of Islam in the UK, and the certain erosion of all freedoms were Islam to gain sway, Ms. Ruoff is right to be concerned.
Yet, legislation to stop the consruction of mosques is short-sighted, and, in the end, ineffective in controling the tendency of the fallen world. A relatively current example is the removal of the strict Soviet laws in 1991, resulting in a sudden freedom for the people of the former USSR, a freedom to sin which they eagerly embraced.
So, what is the answer: a call to prayer (no pun intended) for Christians, pleading with God for the salvation of the Muslims (Romans 10:1), the evangelization of Muslims by Christians (Matthew 28:16-20), and the gathering of new Christians into a community of the saints - the Church (Acts 2:42-47, Ephesians 4:11).
Thank you for reading this.
Sincerely in Christ,
Paul Griffin
Paul Griffin, Rocky Face, GA, USA
Added: Thursday, April 3, 2008, 13:11 (BST)
This is the absolutely dumbest thing I have heard from someone other that Ahmadinejad!
Joseph Kossuth, Irving, Tx, USA
