It seems that a UK Vicar has got all hot and bothered under his Cassocks and has engaged the UK Police to pay a visit to a Blogger who exposed that Vicar’s credentials.
Anglican Vicar Uses Police To Intimidate Blogger
Reverend Stephen Sizer Uses British Police Against A Blogger
It is not uncommon for those who take the moral high ground to have a blind spot for those who don’t. And they really don’t like it when it is pointed out, do they!
Being called an anti-Semitic holocaust denier is pretty serious stuff Weggis, especially if you’re the local vicar. Brighton Greens are outraged at being compared to the BNP via a link on a Tory blog, so the Rev may not be so unreasonable.
ReplyDeleteThe Rev Sizer is like a lot of people in the GPEW, a critic of Israel and a supporter of the Palestinian people. He is also a critic of ‘Christian Zionism’ -Christians (mainly North American Protestants) who to the consternation of Palestinian Christians (Orthodox and Eastern rite Catholic) support Israel for strange Biblical reasons. The problem is anyone who criticizes Israel is branded an anti-Semite by Israel’s supporters; it’s very difficult sometimes to sort the sheep from the goats. There are real anti-Semitic holocaust deniers who use the Israeli/Palestinian conflict as cover for them to promote their evil message.
In his writings, while opposing Christian Zionism, Sizer has repudiated anti-Semitism and other forms of racism (quote) : “I affirm the right of the State of Israel to exist within secure and internationally recognized borders. Sadly the evidence shows that Israel is a racist and apartheid state. The UN World Conference on Racism, together with US State Country Report, have highlighted the institutional racism within Israeli society. The South African ruling ANC, the Jewish human rights organisation B’Tselem, as well as leading Jewish academics such as Noam Chomsky..have all made similar comparisons between South African and Israeli apartheid. I do not regard such views as anti-Semitic.”
“It is true that at various times in the past, churches and church leaders have tolerated or incited anti-Semitism and even attacks on Jewish people. Racism is a sin and without excuse. Anti-Semitism must be repudiated unequivocally. However, we must not confuse apples and oranges. Anti-Zionism is not the same thing as anti-Semitism despite attempts to broaden the definition. Criticising a political system as racist is not necessarily racist. Judaism is a religious system. Israel is a sovereign nation. Zionism is a political system. These three are not synonymous. I respect Judaism, repudiate anti-Semitism, encourage interfaith dialogue and defend Israel's right to exist within borders recognised by the international community and agreed with her neighbours. But like many Jews, I disagree with a political system which gives preference to expatriate Jews frorn elsewhere in the world, while denying the same rights to the Arab Palestinians born in the country itself."
They don't like it up 'em Capt. Mainwaring"!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting on this one.
ReplyDeleteps I too am a grumpy old man...:)
Annon said:
ReplyDelete"The Rev Sizer is like a lot of people in the GPEW"
Really?
Come on Weggis, don't quote me out of context, I said “The Rev Sizer is like a lot of people in the GPEW, a critic of Israel...” In other words Sizer holds views about Israel that many in the GPEW agree with. If Rupert Read was called an anti-Semitic holocaust denier he'd be slightly miffed too. I’ve yet to see evidence that this guy is an anti-Semite. He is certainly a happy-clapper Bible thumper.
ReplyDeleteFair point.
ReplyDeleteLet’s see now. There is a difference between “being” an anti-Semitic holocaust denier and giving credence to or associating with anti-Semitic holocaust deniers. I understand it is the latter that our Vicar stands accused of. But I may be wrong.
There was a case recently where one of ours, Peter Tatchell, was libelled in a book. He did not issue threats or engage the Police or the Lawyers. He stood up for himself and argued his case.
The point here is that if our Vicar has a case he should be able to articulate and argue the point, not issue threats via the Police.
Also, I would not be surprised if the BNP are equally “outraged” at being compared to the Greens. The terms “eco-fascism” and “green fascism” are common on this here interwebby thingamajig. We have to deal with it through reasoned debate and demonstrate it is not true. Getting “outraged” or Angry doesn’t help much.
I can confirm that Rupert would be more than "slightly" miffed.
Yes, a bit OTT to go to the police; in fact rather counter productive, a lot of his pashioners are going to hear about this now. Nevertheless I worry that the demonization of this clergyman, may well have something to do with his theological denunciation of Christian Zionism.
ReplyDeleteGood points, Weggis
ReplyDeleteI shall be updating my blog to include more of Rev. Sizer, thus far:
Rev. Sizer's views being pushed by French Holocaust deniers
First name terms with the well known antisemite, Israel Shamir
Martin Webster, ex-NF leader speaks very highly of him.
There's plenty of links and hard evidence, if people truly wish to review it.
More to come :)