Expressing Christian views may not be to the liking of UK Muslims

London, Oct.15 : It seems that expressing Christian views in Britain may not be taken kindly to by the country's Muslim community.

This came out clearly when a parish priest was questioned by British police after he expressed his Christian views on a Muslim girl wearing a full veil in class in his parish newsletter. The Muslim girl went to court over the issue, much to the surprise of the priest and the community which he serves.

The questioning of 71-year-old Father John Hayes for more than an hourin Hornchurch, East London, stirred a furious row about policing priorities. A source at the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, said: "What happened is a gross error of judgment and possibly even an abuse of power, highlighting the sensitivity being exhibited by British police when it comes to dealing with Islamic-related incidents.

According to the Daily Mail, the priest said his 'offending' remarks had concerned Shabina Begum, who, represented by Cherie Blair QC, claimed unsuccessfully that it was her human right to be allowed to wear her jilbab, a loose gown, in class.

After hearing an interview with the girl, Hayes suggested in his Internet bulletin to his parishioners that it was never possible to convince anyone by argument in matters of religion.

"My point was that you have to demonstrate what it means to be Christian through your actions," he said.

"Apparently someone in my congregation was unhappy with my comments and, after waiting a year, went to the police to say she had been 'disturbed' by it."

A fortnight ago officers knocked on the door of his home next to St Mary's Church, Hornchurch. They said a superintendent had sent them.

The priest said he was pretty surprised by their visit, but added that the officers were very polite and cordial.

"They seemed satisfied and when they eventually left the sergeant told me 'that's the end of the matter'. I felt the whole thing was a bit of a storm in a teacup."

Hayes, who became the priest at St Mary's 13 years ago, said one of his main aspirations was to bring people of different backgrounds together. (ANI)

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