So, how do you impeach an archbishop anyway? Or does Queen Elizabeth merely mutter a few dark words within earshot of her courtiers?
The Archbishop of Canterbury today launched a desperate backtrack over his endorsement of sharia law as his own bishops lined up to attack him. Claiming he never called for the introduction of the Muslim system, Dr Rowan Williams claimed he wanted to “tease out some of the broader issues around the rights of religious groups within a secular state”. In a statement on his website based on his controversial lecture in London last night, he added he had only used sharia as an example.
Dr Williams’ comments, however, are likely to do little to stem the rising tide of anger from senior clergy. As public condemnation of his speech grew, some of his own bishops were calling for his resignation. In an astonishing attack, one senior Church of England clergyman demanded he stepped down immediately and branded him “gullible”.
Remember, this is the sort of daunting intellect that Richard Dawkins is willing to debate… brave fellow.