Not So Fast You Idiot – It's All or Nothing with Sharia Law

A spokesman for the Anglican Communion Network says he's shocked that the Archbishop of Canterbury is calling for the adoption of some aspects of Islamic Sharia law in the United Kingdom.

During an interview with the BBC, Rowan Williams, spiritual leader of the world's 77 million Anglicans, said introduction of Sharia law in the U.K. was unavoidable because some citizens do not relate to the British legal system. "On the one hand," stated Williams, "Sharia depends for its legitimacy not on any human decision, not on votes or preferences, but on the conviction that it represents the mind of god." He also said Muslims should not have to choose between cultural loyalty and state loyalty.

Although Dr. Williams said some aspects of Sharia law, which include beheadings for drug traffickers and its attitudes to women, could not be permitted, public outcry throughout Great Britain and the world about his comments was swift.

Peter Frank is a spokesman for Bishop Robert Duncan, who oversees the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, a member of the Anglican Communion Network. Frank says Dr. Williams' comments are not realistic because those who favor Sharia law typically want it implemented for everyone.

"What he seems to be hoping for is that there could be some aspects of this legal system accepted or put in place, but not others," Frank observes. "However, for those parts of Islam that are campaigning for this, they very naturally want all of Sharia law."

Frank points to northern Nigeria as an example, noting Sharia law has been instituted there. "And the goal is always to institute [Sharia] for everyone; and not just for limited parts of it to those who voluntarily opt in, but for the whole community."

The archbishop, he concludes, is "not putting something forward that's going to satisfy and thereby integrate the people that he's hoping would be integrated by it."

British government officials said Sharia law could not be used in the country's legal system. In addition, officials in the British government -- liberals, moderates, and conservatives -- were quick to criticize Williams' comments.