Rev Samuel Green

Recently the Rev Samuel Green, an evangelical from Australia “who spends most of my time helping people engage with their Muslim friends” complained on Blogging Theology that Muslims have failed to speak out in favour of traditional marriage in Australia. Christians he claimed are the solitary heroes who are uniquely standing up for marriage.

He complained bitterly that:

“Christians are the only ones speaking up for traditional marriage in Australia. We are getting insulted and shut down but we are active. The Muslims have been publicly silent.”

But this is completely false.  Green exposes his ignorance of Australian Muslims who at the highest levels have spoken out. Australian Council of Imams President Yusuf Peer said gay marriage was unacceptable to Islam, and that Muslims should respect LGBTQI people but “condemn only their actions”. A press release was issued on 17th August this year:

See the full statement from the Australian National Imams Council here.

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) is the only central, Islamic body that holds key representation from Australian-based Muslim clerics. Registered as a public company, ANIC was established in late 2006 as an umbrella organisation consisting of a Council of Imams, representing each Australian State and Territory.

ANIC seeks to unite the Councils of Imams of Australian States and Territories in order to streamline the activities of clerics in Australia thus, resulting in the greater benefit to the Australian Muslim community throughout the nation.

source

Perhaps Samuel Green might spend a little more time paying attention to what the Muslim community is actually doing in Australian public life. He might find allies in his cause.

Categories: Homosexuality, Islam, Islamophobia, Life in the West