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Head of Kirk backs Williams over Sharia row

The head of the Church of Scotland [sic *] has come out in support of the Archbishop of Canterbury, describing the public's response to his comments on Sharia law as a "witch-hunt".

The Right Reverend Sheilagh Kesting promised to stand by beleaguered Archbishop Rowan Williams, who was yesterday facing calls for him to resign after claiming the adoption of Islamic creeds in the UK appeared "unavoidable".

Pressure on the Archbishop to stand down grew last night when William's predecessor, Lord George Carey, accused the present leader of the Anglican Church of overstating the case for accommodating Islamic legal codes in the UK, saying it would be "disastrous" for the nation.

In Scotland, Kesting has written a letter of support to Williams, stating that she believed his views on Sharia law had been "wilfully misconstrued".

She added: "I am appalled by the way in which the response to your lecture has become a personal witch-hunt calling for your resignation.

"I consider it fortunate that we have a Christian leader in this country who is prepared to initiate deep and thoughtful consideration of sensitive issues and I am alarmed at the way in which your intentions can be wilfully misconstrued."

Full story at Scotland on Sunday.

[* Scotland on Sunday will doubtless be told by many that the Church of Scotland acknowledges Jesus Christ as its head.]