'UK government's definition of 'extremism' could target Muslims'

The spiritual leader of the Church of England and Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, along with the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, stated in a joint written statement that labeling a multifaceted problem as hateful extremism could smear the wrong people and lead to the risk of further division.

Warning that the new definition could threaten freedom of expression, worship, and protest, the archbishops called on the government to reconsider and engage in broader consultations with everyone.

The Christian clergy emphasized that in recent months, there has been increasing division between different communities in the UK, both outdoors and online, and that many Jews and Muslims do not feel safe while walking on the street or going to their workplaces and places of worship.

Pointing out that these disheartening developments not only harm the integrity of society but also threaten the rich diversity that the UK should highly value, the archbishops made the following assessments:

"How our leaders respond to this is too important to be treated with a new definition of extremism. We believe that labeling a multifaceted problem as hateful extremism, rather than providing clarity or striking a conciliatory tone, will mean smearing the wrong people and carries the risk of further division. The proposed new definition unintentionally threatens not only freedom of expression but also the right to worship and peaceful protest, which are hard-won and form the fabric of a civilized society. More importantly, it carries the risk of disproportionately targeting Muslim communities, who are already experiencing increasing levels of hatred and abuse."

"THE APPROACH SHOULD BE RECONSIDERED"

The Christian clergy stated that, like many others, they are concerned about the impact of this bill on public life, and they joined the calls for the government to reconsider its approach and instead engage in broad-based discussions with everyone it will affect.

Noting that the Anglican Church would be very willing to fulfill part of its historical role by facilitating this discussion, the archbishops stated that leaders should support policies that bring society together rather than driving it apart.

According to reports in the national press, UK Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove will announce the government's new expanded definition of "extremism" and will announce that government bodies will not engage with or provide funding to groups included within this definition.