Faithwire
  • Watch
  • Go!
  • Podcasts
  • Contact Us
  • Newsletter
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • News
  • Politics
  • Coronavirus Updates
  • Faith
  • Opinion
  • Christmas
  • Set Free Course

Church Reportedly Offers to ‘Cover Up’ Crosses, Depiction of Jesus for Muslims Celebrating Ramadan

Photo by Thuong Do/Unsplash
Photo by Thuong Do/Unsplash
Share Tweet
By Tré Goins-Phillips
Editor

May 20, 2019

A church in the U.K. is facing scrutiny after the vicar reportedly offered to “cover up” the devotional images of Jesus as well as the crosses in the building so Muslims could use the space to observe Ramadan.

The Rev. Lissa Scott and former Darlington Mayor Gerald Lee hatched the plan for the St. Matthew and St. Luke Church during a meeting last week, according to The Sunday Times.

This is a disgrace…a Church of England pastor??Reverend Lissa Scott has offered to cover up crosses and pictures of Jesus for Muslims to celebrate Ramadan in her parish church.

Why?!! pic.twitter.com/en6xHzcq7R

— Obianuju Ekeocha (@obianuju) May 20, 2019

For the duration of the unity event, the building’s cross as well as an image of Jesus, a copy of “The Light of the World” by the pre-Raphaelite artist William Holman Hunt, would be covered.

Pete Buttigieg Takes Extreme Position on Abortion During Fox News Town Hall

According to a copy of the meeting’s minutes, which were reviewed by the Times, one aisle in the church will “be cleared of chairs for Muslim men to say prayers. Cover Christian crosses/photographs in small rooms for ladies to say prayers.”

Reaction was swift

The Diocese of Durham responded not long after news of the agreement spread, informing the church it is not to host a Muslim prayer event in the Church of England facility.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Durham told Premier, “While it is vital to build good interfaith relations, it is clear that an act of worship from a non-Christian faith tradition is not permitted within a consecrated Church of England building.”

Bono Discusses the Bible During Today Show Interview, Prefers This Version for His Kids

The spokesperson pointed to church law, which forbids events from unfolding in the facility if they are in any way “contrary to … the doctrine of the Church of England in any essential matter.”

“There seems initially to have been some misunderstanding locally of this,” the spokesperson added, “but that has been resolved now, with plans for Muslim prayers to be held in a nearby building, then the whole community coming together for a celebratory meal inside the church.”

Latest

  • News

    ‘My Heart Is Grieved’: Josh Duggar’s Brother Speaks Out After Sibling’s Sentencing, Says He ‘Doubtlessly Defamed’ God

  • Faith

    Francis Chan Hits Back at Infamous ‘My Body, My Choice’ Slogan With Powerful Biblical Truth: ‘Nothing Is Yours’

  • Faith

    ‘I Saw Blood Coming Out of My Eyes’: Greg Laurie Recounts Alice Cooper’s Incredible Transformation From Drugs to Jesus

  • Faith

    Benham Brothers: Culture Needs Jesus, Not More ‘Gun Laws’ in Wake of Texas School Shooting

  • News

    ‘She Died Trying to Save Her Classmates’: Dad’s Heartbreaking Revelation About Daughter’s Final Moments During Texas School Shooting


Navigation

  • Watch
  • Go!
  • Podcasts
  • Contact Us
  • Newsletter
  • Staff
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Sign up to get our newsletter your inbox every day.

Newsletter Signup

Do you want to read
more articles like this?