News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

16th-dec-Pastor-James-McConnell-main_article_image.jpg
Liam McBurney/PA Wire
UK News

Muslim who complained about James McConnell sermon wants to meet him

Dr Raied Al Wazzan, who was until recently the treasurer of the Belfast Islamic Centre, took offense to him suggesting that Islam was 'satanic' and 'heathen'.

He and a number of others complained after the sermon was posted online back in May 2014.

Pastor McConnell was subsequently charged, but this week was found not guilty of using grossly offensive remarks.

According to the BBC, Dr Al Wazzan said: "To say that you don't trust all Muslims, that was what was unacceptable for us.

"We have lots of doctors, teachers working in this country and if you don't trust them, that's going to create discrimination against them.

"Yes, I am willing to meet him and discuss some of these issues in private... away from the media."

"If he trusts me, I will shake his hand."

Speaking after he was acquitted, Pastor McConnell said his only regret about the whole case was that the Muslim community thought that he was out to hurt them

"There was no way I was out to hurt them - I wouldn't hurt a hair on their head," he said. "But what I am against is their theology and what they believe in.

"If there are Muslims out there, I want to assure them I love them and, if they need help, I am there to help them, but their theology and their beliefs I am totally against them."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate