UK government redefining extremism ‘risks disproportionately targeting Muslim communities’: Archbishops

LONDON: The UK government’s plan to launch a new definition of extremism “risks disproportionately targeting Muslim communities,” the most senior bishops in the Church of England have warned.

The new definition may “vilify the wrong people and risk yet more division,” Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell said in a joint statement.

“The new definition being proposed not only inadvertently threatens freedom of speech, but also the right to worship and peaceful protest — things that have been hard won and form the fabric of a civilised society.

“Crucially, it risks disproportionately targeting Muslim communities, who are already experiencing rising levels of hate and abuse.”

Welby and Cottrell highlighted concerns over the “implications for public life” resulting from the proposed redefining of extremism.

“We join calls for the government to reconsider its approach and instead have a broad-based conversation with all those who it will affect,” they said.

“The Church of England would be very willing to fulfil part of its historic role by sharing in facilitating that conversation.

“The UK has a proud history of welcoming people from all walks of life and celebrating diversity.

“We are a community of communities. Our leaders should cherish and promote that — and pursue policies that bring us together, not risk driving us apart.”