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UK Bishop Blasts Muslim 'No-Go' Zones

Blames extremists, immigration laws for anti-Christian areas

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 7, 2008 5:50 PM CST

(Newser) – A high-ranking UK bishop has sparked a row by criticizing immigration laws and claiming that Islamic extremists threaten Christians in "no-go" areas across Britain. Rev. Michael Nazir-Ali, the Church of England's only Asian bishop, wrote a Telegraph editorial that blames the "novel philosophy of multiculturalism" for threatening Britain's Christian heritage.

Lawmakers and Muslim reps have slammed the bishop's argument—one calling it "a gross caricature of reality"—but it coincides with a new poll in which one third of Church leaders say immigration is diluting Britain's Christian society. Almost two-thirds fear Downing Street will end the Church of England's special treatment, especially after UK PM Gordon Brown recently stopped government involvement in appointing bishops.

Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown speaks during a press conference inside 10 Downing Street, London, on Wednesday Dec. 19, 2007.  During the press conference Brown commented on the British economy and global financial turbulence. (AP Photo/Carl De Souza/WPA rota)
Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown speaks during a press conference inside 10 Downing Street, London, on Wednesday Dec. 19, 2007. During the press conference Brown commented on the British economy...   (Associated Press)
A bishop's cross is seen in this undated file photo.
A bishop's cross is seen in this undated file photo.   (Getty Images)
The Canterbury Cathedral is seen in this undated file photo.
The Canterbury Cathedral is seen in this undated file photo.   ((c) jimbowen0306)
Gordon Brown makes notes as he attends the service to mark the Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in Westminster Abbey in London, Tuesday, March 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Stephen Hird/Pool)
Gordon Brown makes notes as he attends the service to mark the Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in Westminster Abbey in London, Tuesday, March 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Stephen Hird/Pool)   (Associated Press)
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