Prominent Ghanaian Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams has backtracked on his controversial statements regarding Islam, apologizing to the Muslim community worldwide and pleading for their forgiveness 'in the name of Allah'.
The self-declared 'father of charismatic Christianity' in West Africa had made some damning statements on Islam in an undated sermon posted to social media, provoking anger within the Ghanaian Muslim community.
"Muslims are not just praying; they are invoking all kinds of entities," the fiery preacher declared on a clip which was posted to YouTube.
"They are dealing with all kinds of forces in Pleiades, in Orion, in Arcturus, in Mazzaroth – the Zodiacs, the powers of the underworld, the water kingdom. They are not just praying; they are dealing with white magic, black magic – different levels and dimensions of witchcraft – for total takeover of the world and of our nation," the cleric brazenly told congregants.
The Coalition of Muslim Organisations in Ghana (COMOG) were quick to condemn the sermon, describing it as "a bundle of reprehensible fallacies and a vicious misrepresentation of Islamic practice of prayers and worship."
However, it was an entirely different tone when Duncan-Williams met with some Ghanaian imams, some of whom had challenged him to a debate in lieu of his contentious message.
"I want to apologise to you and to all the Muslim community; I never intended to offend or disrespect your faith," the Archbishop stated in another clip posted to YouTube. "I deeply regret what has happened. I see it as a misunderstanding; it will not happen again."
He went further to commend Islam, adding that he often used Muslims as positive examples in his sermons and stressing Christians were to emulate them.
"I use your faith and religion a lot in my preaching as an example of how Christians should follow your discipline, your commitment, your consistency, your spirituality – it's something that I admire. It's very unfortunate that it has happened this way."
Duncan-Williams then begged for 'forgiveness' from the Muslims, promising to vigorously study the Quran.
"In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Gracious One, I ask for your forgiveness and trust that this will not happen again. Hereafter, we will meet at a better level. When I have finished studying my Quran, I will meet you," he declared.
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source : Ghanaian Agencies
Monday
21 March 2016
8:01:00 AM
742333
Prominent Ghanaian Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams has backtracked on his controversial statements regarding Islam, apologizing to the Muslim community worldwide and pleading for their forgiveness 'in the name of Allah'.