It’s a bit surprising that Mullally bowed to the pressure and withdrew the award. After all, the Church of England is just leftism at prayer. Any Christian character it may once have had has long since been hollowed out. The left has no problem with jihad violence, blaming it on the alleged evils of the U.S. and Israel, and abhors “Islamophobia.” So why shouldn’t Mullally honor Ashrafi? The withdrawal of this award doesn’t change the character of the Church of England.
“Archbishop of Canterbury forced to withdraw controversial award given on anniversary of 9/11 to Muslim cleric who praised Bin Laden,” by Martin Beckford, Daily Mail, September 17, 2026:
The Archbishop of Canterbury has been forced to withdraw an award she gave to a Muslim cleric on the anniversary of 9/11 after it emerged he had once praised Osama Bin Laden.
The Most Rev Sarah Mullally presented the prize for ‘Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation’ to Tahir Ashrafi on the same day that the world marked 25 years since the terror attacks on America.
But she faced a major backlash after it emerged that the group of Islamic scholars Mr Ashrafi chairs in Pakistan had previously given its highest honour to the Al Qaeda chief.
His Pakistan Ulema Council gave Bin Laden a religious title meaning ‘Sword of Allah’ in retaliation for Britain awarding a knighthood to Satanic Verses author Salman Rushdie.
Mr Ashrafi said in June 2007: ‘We are pleased to award the title of Saifullah to Osama bin Laden after the British government’s decision to bestow the title of “Sir” on blasphemer Rushdie. This is the highest title for a Muslim warrior.’
He added: ‘If a blasphemer can be given the title ‘Sir’ by the West despite the fact that he’s hurt the feelings of Muslims, then a mujahid who has been fighting for Islam against the Russians, Americans and British must be given the lofty title of Islam, Saifullah.’…
࿗Infidel࿘ says
The Church of England – I remember the “Yes, Prime Minister” BBC show from the 80s, where Humphrey tells the prime minister that the Church of England is a social institution, which includes Atheists who called themselves “Modernists”. In response to another point made by Jim, he noted that the Queen is an inseparable part of the Church of England, while God was optional
It’s good that Prince William, who generally covers his duties pretty well, is not much enamored w/ the church, and would probably try to sever its links w/ the monarchy, whenever he becomes king
ploome says
regarding:
. Church of England is a social institution
actually it’s a joke, created by a king who was lusting after a woman and wanted to divorce his wife
see how easy it is?
Kepha says
Give Henry VIII a break. His father became king after being the lat man standing during the Wars of the Roses–which happened because a king died without a male heir.
Henry reasoned that the peace of a Christian kingdom (on Henry’s demise) would be a consideration for a Pope. After all, Louis VII of France had been allowed to divorce Eleanor of Aquitaine when she failed to produce the needed heir; and she was allowed to re-marry to Henry II of England; so, there was precedent. Further, it had not been that long ago that the Pope had bestowed some of Scotland’s richest benefices on the Scottish king’s bastard sons.
What Henry VIII failed to bet on was that Pope Clement VII had bet on the wrong horse in the contest between Francis I of France and Charles V and I of the Holy Roman Empire and Spain (who happened to be the nephew of Catherine of Aragon). Charles’ forces took Francis prisoner in battle, marched on Rome, and, in good 16th century fashion, paid his men by letting them sack and loot the city. Charles made it clear to Clement that his Landesknechten (some of whom were Lutherans) might do it again should His Holiness make any decision inimical to “Care Tia Catalina” and her heirs.
This being said, Uncle Kepha has more sympathy for the Puritans who were dissatisfied with the Elizabethan settlment…
࿗Infidel࿘ says
Ploome
That was the way it started, but that was no longer the raison d’être once Henry VIII died and was succeeded by 2 of his kids. Over time, it evolved into more of a social institution
Another fun fact: the king/queen of the UK can’t be a Catholic, but apparently, can be a mohammedan
ploome says
you write:
“That was the way it started, but that was no longer the raison d’être once Henry VIII died and was succeeded by 2 of his kids.”
what was the raison d’être? Ensuring independence from el Papas with the red slippers, and illegitimate children and many mistresses?
Did you know there was a woman pope? I read somewhere, that is why the papal chair has a hole in the seat to verify cajones of newly elected popes.
anyway
Pope Joan legendary pope Also known as: John VIII
Britannica
Pope Joan, legendary female pontiff supposedly reigned, under the title of John VIII, for slightly more than 25 months, from 855 to 858, between the pontificates of St. Leo IV (847–855) and Benedict III (855–858).
but the way “history” is revised recently, who knows?
The mistresses, children, murders, and corruption is well documented along with the red slippers and gold vestments. Its all theatre.
ploome says
How about Jewish?
Wonder what will happen to the royals when the muslims take over?
Rufolino says
What will happen to the Royals ?
That’s easy, Muslim power will use the Royals, in their current position as far as possible, to reassure the population that everything is alright.
As for the Royals, they will no doubt be under the illusion that co operation with Islam will ensure the continuity which has already lasted 1000 years.
But it won’t end well for the Royal Family.
࿗Infidel࿘ says
If it’s Charles, he’ll convert to islam. Will is either an Atheist or Agnostic, so I think he might show more resistance. Not sure about him, though
Graham Swift says
The Church of England seems intent on a policy of self destruction , as the see of Canterbury appoints one clown after another.
Emilie Green says
Award withdrawn?
As meaningless as a melted ice cube. Her gesture of awarding any sort of honor to a representative of an intolerant, murderous political system (masquerading as a religion; with 1400 years of evidence) can’t be undone by a so-called withdrawal.
Islamphobia
[is-lah-muh-foh-bee-uh]
noun
A healthy survival instinct triggered by not wanting to be murdered by 7th-Century cosplayers [costume players] who hate dogs, gays, Jews, Christians, music, you and your entire civilization
Synonym: basic pattern recognition learned from 1400 years of observed behavior
Dave says
“Islamophobia: a word created by fascists, and used by cowards, to manipulate morons.”—
Christopher Hitchens
‘Phobia’. An irrational fear of something.
The word cannot be applied to those who know what Islam is and what it does, simply because it is not a ‘phobia’ to us.
I lived in a Islamic country for awhile and you don’t want that here in America.
We do have it, but we can’t let it grow any more than it already has.
The Muslims elected to our government will follow Islam before any oath of office as their cult takes presidence over everything.
“Islam is politics or it is nothing. When anyone studies a little or pays a little attention to the rules of Islamic government, Islamic politics, Islamic society and Islamic economy he will realize that Islam is a very political religion. Anyone who will say that religion is separate from politics is a fool; he does not know Islam or politics.”—Ruhollah Khomeini
This comes from a guy that terrorized Iran with an iron hand after the 1979 Islamic Rveolution.
Before this Revolution, Iran was quite modern. For example…women had freedom. They could work, drive cars, wear clothes of their choice, etc. Tehran was even called the ‘Paris of the Middle East’. Islamic law took over with full implementation of sharia and the punishments listed by Islamic law. Example…For those who are LGBT+ and support Islam in any way, shape or form and this includes ‘Hamas and what they call Palistine, you need to read-up on what the punishments are for same sex relations. Those who are ‘trans’, that fate is the same.
Hugh Fitzgerald says
Oh dear. That face.
Wellington says
Seconded. Yes, that face says a lot.
Dave says
Southern end of a Northern bound pig.
Jayell1 says
A complete and utterly pathetic mess-up. However did this Archbishop manage it? A ten-year-old could do better! Is there anything else that she can do wrong? Maybe if she’d remembered that she’s supposed to be leading a ‘Christian’ setup and done her homework properly before making her award to this character, she wouldn’t have ended making herself and the C of E look even more stupid than they did before. Maybe she was trying too hard to please her boss in Buckingham Palace, or perhaps it was his idea from the start. I’ve made up my mind that never going to set foot in a C of E church building again.
somehistory says
so many unscriptural things ….There is an old song about “dust on the Bible.” She probably doesn’t have one to even be dusty….if she has one, it probably still has the protective cover.
Question for this fool: How many “revs” can you perform? The article says “the most rev”….so how many is that? Are they personal turns taken, as if dancing? Are they walks around your desk? How fast do you “rev”? I heard a motor vehicle on the street this morning, and the driver was “revving’ the engine again and again. Can others hear when you ‘rev.”?
Disgusting creature, inside and out.
somehistory says
It only takes a second to see the awfulness….and the article includes some remarks by other Brits…damaging the ‘rep of the church.’
“Church of England ‘condoning oppression of women’ with niqab photo”
“Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, pictured alongside his wife, was presented with an award by the Archbishop of Canterbury – Neil Turner
The Archbishop of Canterbury has been accused of condoning the repression of Muslim women after she gave an award to an Islamic cleric who honoured Osama Bin Laden.
Dame Sarah Mullally was pictured with Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, an Islamic scholar, and his wife, who was wearing a niqab so that only her eyes were visible, when he received his award on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that Bin Laden orchestrated.”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/church-of-england-condoning-oppression-of-women-with-niqab-photo/ar-AA2cyCEv?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=6aaec822743646e9aa9e7ee284d8b0b4&ei=37
somehistory says
““At this very moment, women in Afghanistan face violence for refusing to cover, while women in Iran have been imprisoned and brutally attacked for resisting compulsory veiling.
“Nor is coercion confined to other countries: many women and girls in Britain also face coercion and cultural pressure to veil themselves too. It is important for you to reflect on what message this conveys to women fighting for the freedoms that we take for granted.””
ploome says
I kept looking at the photo of Ashrafi and his wife, and couldn’t see his wife. And the I realized the dark space, that shadow WAS the wife, wearing a chador and niqab.
hilarious
Tim gallagher says
Reconciliation and interfaith dialogue will never be on the agenda for Muslims. Read that evil, hate filled book, the Koran, and can see very clearly why it will never work with Muslims.
ploome says
We call it “Reconciliation and interfaith dialogue”,
muslims call it da’wah…
every opportunity to act out how reasonable and friendly they are and how peaceful islam is, and, of course, “invite” people to islam.
Tim gallagher says
Spot on, ploome. Islam is the most vicious and intolerant ideology around, so this attempted interfaith friendliness is ridiculous and naive nonsense. Never trust Muslims is the right approach.
somehistory says
This subject is worse than just the female idiot praising the muzzie. and in the photo provided this time, there is another female, unnamed wearing a black mask.
“Church leader confronted over ‘Hamas exhibition’ triggers outrage for claim ‘history is complex'”
“Church of England leaders have shut down a Gaza memorial exhibition after it was found to be honouring Hamas terrorists among the dead.
The Bishop of Leeds pulled the event after local Jewish leaders gave him a dossier showing that a tribute tapestry on display carried the names of at least 25 terrorists from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
he two groups led the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages.
After the closure, Leeds Minster’s rector, Canon Paul Maybury, apologised in a statement, saying he condemns all violence, particularly the killing of civilians and the taking of hostages by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
But on Saturday night it emerged that Canon Maybury told Jewish protesters at the exhibition that ‘history is complex’ when asked to denounce the terrorists’ kidnapping and killing of civilians.
A 36-second video shows him making the insensitive remarks when asked specifically about the abduction of Ariel Bibas, four, and his nine-month-old brother Kfir, and their mother Shiri, 32.
The three, who were seized from a kibbutz in southern Israel on October 7, later died in Hamas captivity.
Pictures of the screaming mother clutching her two red-haired boys as she was dragged away by masked terrorists became some of the defining images of the attacks.
When Canon Maybury was pressed further, he said ‘no comment’ and walked away.
His remarks were condemned last night by Jewish leaders and relatives of October 7 victims.
The latest row comes days after the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, was forced to withdraw an award she had presented to Muslim cleric Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi after it emerged he had praised Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
At least 90 panels bearing 16,800 names were displayed at the memorial, titled Stitch Their Names Together. The names were taken from the Hamas-run health ministry’s list of the dead in Gaza.
Researchers from the Leeds Jewish Representative Council (LJRC) identified at least 25 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists on the tapestry.
One of them, Hatem Suleiman Abu Sharia, 28, belonged to the Mujahideen Brigades, one of the smaller terrorist groups in Gaza that kidnapped the Bibas family and handed them to Hamas.
Abu Sharia, who was killed in May 2024, was a senior figure on the group’s military council. He was released from an Israeli prison just months before the October 7 attacks.
Others include Salah Shaaban Ismail, 50, who led Islamic Jihad’s sniper unit, was killed in May and has been hailed as a ‘martyr commander’ in the group’s online tributes.
Another is Hamdi Saeed Yousef Toulan, 39, a Hamas field commander killed in December 2024.
Tributes calling him a ‘martyr’ and ‘a company commander in the Artillery Battalion of the Northern Brigade’ appeared on Hamas social media channels.
A photograph also showed Toulan in Hamas combat dress.
Other Hamas fighters named on the tapestry include Mohammed Sami Awad Ghurab, 20, and Salem Mohammed Salem Jouda, 43, who are described as ‘martyrs’ on social media, where photographs show them in military fatigues.
The Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Reverend Dr Toby Howarth, closed down the exhibition when the LJRC submitted its dossier to Leeds Minster.
On Saturday night, Itai Galmudy, from the anti-Semitism campaign group Stop The Hate, said: ‘Leeds Minster’s decision to host an exhibition honouring Hamas terrorists was an appalling betrayal of the Church’s own values. That a senior church leader then described Hamas’s murder of children as ‘complex’ is beyond belief.
‘There is nothing complex about the slaughter of innocent children. The Church should be a voice of moral clarity, not an apologist for terrorism.’
Leo Brosh, Yorkshire Manager of the Jewish Leadership Council, said: ‘While it is welcome that Leeds Minster has closed the exhibition, serious questions remain about how they failed to do the most basic due diligence on such a sensitive issue.
‘Without an appropriate response, this episode risks damaging the relationship between British Christians and British Jews at a time of growing antisemitism in the UK.’
The Church of England did not comment on Canon Maybury’s ‘complex history’ remarks. ”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/church-leader-confronted-over-hamas-exhibition-triggers-outrage-for-claim-history-is-complex/ar-AA2cAlhn?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=6ab031b5878c450d9ef7ab2608c57d68&ei=7