First female Archbishop of Canterbury revokes award she gave on 9/11 to Muslim cleric who praised bin Laden
Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally withdrew the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation from Muslim cleric Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi. Mullally granted the award on September 11 but rescinded it within a week after Ashrafi praised Osama bin Laden. The decision has created a divide among religious leaders. Bishop Azad Marshall argues for an apology to Ashrafi due to his history of protecting Pakistani Christians, while other critics claim the revocation could increase danger for Christian communities in Pakistan.
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- ✓ Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally withdrew the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation from Muslim cleric Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi.
- ✓ Mullally granted the award on September 11 but rescinded it within a week after Ashrafi praised Osama bin Laden.
- ✓ The decision has created a divide among religious leaders.
What changed
No new developments have occurred since the previous report.
Live updates
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Archbishop of Canterbury revokes award from cleric who praised bin Laden
Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally withdrew the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation from Muslim cleric Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi. Mullally granted the award on September 11 but rescinded it within a week after Ashrafi praised Osama bin Laden. The decision has created a divide among religious leaders. Bishop Azad Marshall argues for an apology to Ashrafi due to his history of protecting Pakistani Christians, while other critics claim the revocation could increase danger for Christian communities in Pakistan.
Why it matters
The Hubert Walter Award recognizes efforts in interfaith cooperation. This dispute highlights the tension between condemning extremist rhetoric and maintaining diplomatic protections for minorities in volatile regions.
Still unconfirmed
- Bishop Azad Marshall urged an apology to Ashrafi based on the cleric's protection of Pakistani Christians.
- Critics argue the revocation endangers the Christian community in Pakistan.
What to watch next
- Official response from Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi.
- Statements from the Pakistani government regarding Christian safety.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.firstdirect.com — Online and Personal Banking | first direct bank
- www.first.org — FIRST - Improving Security Together
- en.wiktionary.org — first - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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Archbishop Mullally revokes interfaith award from cleric praising bin Laden
Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally withdrew the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation from Muslim cleric Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi. Mullally presented the award on September 11 but revoked it within a week after Ashrafi's praise for Osama bin Laden drew backlash. While Bishop Azad Marshall urged an apology to Ashrafi based on the cleric's protection of Pakistani Christians, critics argue the revocation endangers the Christian community in Pakistan.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights the tension between honoring interfaith cooperation and condemning extremist rhetoric. The Hubert Walter Award recognizes efforts in reconciliation. The conflict now centers on whether the move compromises safety for religious minorities in Pakistan.
What is confirmed
- Archbishop Sarah Mullally revoked the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation given to Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi.
- The award was presented on September 11 and withdrawn within a week.
- Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi praised Osama bin Laden.
Still unconfirmed
- Bishop Azad Marshall claimed Ashrafi protects Pakistani Christians.
- Some supporters argue the revocation jeopardizes the safety of the Christian community in Pakistan.
What to watch next
- Official response from Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi regarding the revocation
- Statements from Pakistani Christian leadership on current safety levels
- Further disciplinary or diplomatic actions by the Church of England
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- nypost.com — islam | Latest News | New York Post
- www.theguardian.com — Being Muslim After 9/11 review – other journalists wouldn’t ...
- www.theguardian.com — TV tonight: how did 9/11 affect the experience of being ...
- en.wikipedia.org — Óscar Romero - Wikipedia
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First female Archbishop of Canterbury revokes award to Muslim cleric
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has revoked the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation given to Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, a Muslim cleric who praised Osama bin Laden. The award was presented on September 11 but withdrawn within a week due to backlash. Bishop Azad Marshall had called on Archbishop Mullally to apologize to Ashrafi, citing his protection of Pakistani Christians. The move has sparked controversy, with supporters arguing it jeopardizes the safety of the Christian community in Pakistan.
Why it matters
The Archbishop of Canterbury's decision to revoke the award highlights the challenges of balancing interfaith cooperation with public scrutiny. The Hubert Walter Award is given for reconciliation and interfaith cooperation. The controversy surrounding Ashrafi's comments on Osama bin Laden has sparked debate within the Church of England and beyond. The Christian community in Pakistan faces persecution and blasphemy charges.
What is confirmed
- The Church of England revoked the Hubert Walter Award given to Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi.
- Ashrafi previously praised Osama bin Laden.
- Bishop Azad Marshall called on Archbishop Mullally to apologize to Ashrafi.
- The award was originally presented on September 11.
Still unconfirmed
- The safety of the Christian community in Pakistan may be jeopardized.
What to watch next
- The Church of England's future stance on interfaith cooperation and award-giving.
- The reaction of the Pakistani Christian community to the revoked award.
- Any further statements from Archbishop Mullally or Bishop Marshall on the matter.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (12)
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Bishop Azad Marshall demands apology for revoked Ashrafi award
Bishop Azad Marshall has called on Archbishop Sarah Mullally to apologize to Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi after the Church of England revoked his Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation. Marshall claims Ashrafi protects Pakistani Christians from false blasphemy charges and lynch mobs. The award was originally presented on September 11 but withdrawn within a week because Ashrafi previously praised Osama bin Laden. While the Archbishop rescinded the honor following backlash, supporters argue the move jeopardizes the safety of the Christian community in Pakistan.
Why it matters
The Hubert Walter Award recognizes interfaith cooperation. Ashrafi leads the All Pakistan Ulema Council and chairs a government Peace Committee. His influence among millions of Pakistani Muslims makes his relationship with the Christian minority a security concern.
What is confirmed
- Archbishop Sarah Mullally revoked the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation from Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi.
- Ashrafi leads the All Pakistan Ulema Council and chairs a government Peace Committee.
Still unconfirmed
- Ashrafi has shielded the Christian community in Pakistan from lynch mobs and false blasphemy charges.
- Ashrafi's brother is linked to a network using blasphemy laws for torture and extortion.
What to watch next
- Whether Archbishop Mullally issues a formal apology to Ashrafi
- Official responses from the Church of Pakistan regarding the award revocation
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (2)
- anglicanmainstream.org — Cancelled cleric award endangers Pakistan’s Christians
- goodlion.io — Archbishop of Canterbury Rescinds Award to Pakistani Imam ...
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Archbishop of Canterbury revokes interfaith award from Pakistani cleric
Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally withdrew the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation from Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi. The award was presented on September 11 but revoked within a week after Ashrafi's previous praise for Osama bin Laden resurfaced. The decision followed backlash from various groups. Recent reports also link Ashrafi's brother to a network accused of using Pakistan's blasphemy laws to torture and extort people, raising further questions about Ashrafi's defense of his sibling and the Church of Pakistan's endorsement of him.
Why it matters
The Hubert Walter Award recognizes work in religious harmony. This incident highlights the tension between interfaith diplomacy and the scrutiny of a recipient's political or religious history.
What is confirmed
- Archbishop Sarah Mullally revoked the Hubert Walter Award given to Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi.
- The award was presented on September 11.
- The revocation occurred after Ashrafi's past praise for Osama bin Laden resurfaced.
Still unconfirmed
- The brother of Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi is connected to a network that uses blasphemy laws to abduct, torture, and extort people.
What to watch next
- Official response from the Church of Pakistan regarding their endorsement of Ashrafi.
- Statements from Lambeth Palace regarding the investigation into Ashrafi's family connections.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.christiandaily.com — Probe ties brother of Pakistani cleric stripped of Lambeth ...
- coigazette.ie — Archbishop Reconsiders Reconciliation Award | The Church of ...
- thenationalpulse.com — Church of England Withdraws Interfaith Award Given to Pro-Bin ...
- gript.ie — MYERS: Lambeth’s 9/11 fiasco, and the Islamist threat ignored
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Archbishop of Canterbury Revokes Award to Muslim Cleric
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has revoked an award given to Pakistani Muslim cleric Tahir Ashrafi on September 11, after criticism arose regarding Ashrafi's past praise for Osama bin Laden. The award, the 2026 Hubert Walter Award, was given for religious harmony but sparked controversy when Ashrafi's comments resurfaced. The decision to revoke the award follows backlash from various groups and individuals.
Why it matters
This controversy highlights the challenges of interfaith dialogue and the importance of thorough vetting of award recipients. The Archbishop's initial decision to grant the award was seen as a gesture of goodwill, but it ultimately led to accusations of naivety. The Church of England's approach to interfaith relations has been questioned in light of this incident.
What is confirmed
- The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, revoked an award given to Pakistani Muslim cleric Tahir Ashrafi.
- Tahir Ashrafi was awarded the 2026 Hubert Walter Award on September 11.
- Ashrafi faced criticism for his past praise of Osama bin Laden.
- The award was revoked after Ashrafi's comments about Osama bin Laden and Salman Rushdie resurfaced.
Still unconfirmed
- Fresh allegations involving Ashrafi's family have emerged, including alleged links to an extortion gang.
What to watch next
- Further developments in the investigation into Ashrafi's family allegations
- Reactions from Muslim and Christian communities to the revoked award
- The Church of England's future approach to interfaith dialogue and award recipients
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.christiantoday.com — Why the Archbishop of Canterbury’s award controversy matters - Christian Today
- www.christianitydaily.com — Lambeth Palace Revokes Award to Muslim Cleric After Bin Laden ...
- news24online.com — Who is Tahir Ashrafi? Pakistani cleric’s UK award withdrawn ...
- bloompakistan.com — Archbishop of Canterbury Withdraws Tahir Ashrafi Award
- fidesmedia.org — Archbishop of Canterbury Withdraws Award Given on Anniversary ...
- theprint.in — Pakistani cleric awarded for religious harmony has family ...
- quillette.com — Archbishop of Canterbury Award Row and Interfaith Naivety
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Archbishop of Canterbury revokes award given to Pakistani cleric
The first female Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has revoked an award previously granted to a Pakistani Muslim cleric. The cleric reportedly praised Osama bin Laden. The award was originally given on September 11. This decision follows criticism regarding the Archbishop's judgment and the potential consequences of the original gesture. Lambeth Palace has issued a statement regarding the matter, while critics describe the initial award as a sign of naivety.
Why it matters
The incident involves an interreligious gesture that has sparked concerns over security and diplomatic relations. A former Anglican bishop warned that the situation could lead to backlash against Christians in Pakistan.
What is confirmed
- The Archbishop of Canterbury revoked an award given to a Pakistani cleric who praised Osama bin Laden.
- Sarah Mullally is the first female Archbishop of Canterbury.
- The award was given on September 11.
Still unconfirmed
- The incident could create backlash against Pakistani Christians.
- The original award demonstrates Sarah Mullally's terrifying naivety.
What to watch next
- Further details from the Lambeth Palace statement
- Official response from the Pakistani cleric
- Reports of retaliation against Christians in Pakistan
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- New York Post — First female Archbishop of Canterbury revokes award she gave on 9/11 to Muslim cleric who praised bin Laden
- Crux | Taking the Catholic Pulse — Anglican interreligious gaffe could create backlash against Pakistani Christians, says former Anglican bishop
- The Telegraph — The image that exposes Sarah Mullally’s terrifying naivety
- Archbishopofcanterbury.org — Statement from Lambeth Palace
- The Jerusalem Post — Archbishop of Canterbury revokes award from Pakistani cleric who praised Osama bin Laden
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