During a Gallipoli centenary service at Westminster Abbey, in the
presence of The Queen no less, a Turkish prayer was said which proclaimed
Mohammed as being in the succession of the prophets. Cranmer has the text of the prayer.
Now perhaps we could write off the inclusion of the prayer in the
service as interfaith politeness and inclusion, if you will. But last I attended, Westminster Abbey
was a Christian institution, a royal peculiar of God’s Holy Church. And Christians are not to give the
illusion that false religion has any honored place in the Church. Nor are they to give any space to the
deadly delusion that Christianity is an optional way to God, and Islam et al are
alternative ways to God. Yes,
these are the chief reasons I oppose virtually all interfaith services.
(And if you think that’s mean, look at how Muslims treat Christian
expression.)
Readers know I am no basher of Westminster Abbey. I love the place and her Dean and have
fond memories of worshipping there on numerous occasions. But Westminster Abbey owes an
explanation for this enormity. I
disagree with Cranmer on much, but I heartily agree with his conclusion:
It may not
be very PC or neighbourly or conducive to interfaith relations to say it, but
Mohammed was a false prophet (Jer 14:14-16; 1Jn 4:1; Acts 4:12; 2Cor 11:3f). By
rejecting the crucifixion and denying the resurrection of Christ (who is not
the ‘Chosen One’), Islam espouses ‘another Jesus’, ‘another spirit’ and
‘another gospel’. They are and ought to remain free to proclaim their
religiosity, however false and erroneous it may be. But not, please God, in The
Collegiate Church of St Peter (aka Westminster Abbey), which is a Royal Peculiar
of the Supreme Governor.
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