Belfast Pastor James McConnell denounces Islam as the devil's doctrine at Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle church sermon
Controversial clergyman tells audience "people say there are good Muslims in Britain — that may be so — but I don’t trust them"
Police have launched a probe into a a potential hate crime after an outspoken evangelical pastor defended describing the Islamic faith as "satanic" and a "doctrine spawned in hell".
Senior Pastor James McConnell made the remarks as he addressed his congregation at the Whitewell Tabernacle Metropolitan Church on Sunday evening.
They were described as "very offensive", "hurtful" and "irresponsible" by a representative from the Belfast Islamic Centre.
There has also been an outcry on social media, with some calling for a police investigation into his comments.
One posted: "If this was a Muslim Imam speaking about Christianity, he would be arrested for inciting hatred."
During his sermon, the clergyman said: "Islam is heathen, Islam is satanic, Islam is a doctrine spawned in hell."
He also likened Muslims to the IRA, saying there were cells spread right across the UK.
When contacted by the Belfast Telegraph last night, the pastor said he stood over his remarks.
When asked why he made the comments, he said "because it is against the holy scriptures".
"The Bible says there is one God the father and one Lord Jesus Christ and that is what I believe and that is what Christianity is all about."
Raied Al-Wazzan from the Belfast Islamic Centre said: "I wonder what knowledge he has about Islam to say all of that.
"Has he met any Muslims and discussed these things with them?
"We respect Jesus and Noah and Moses as much as we respect prophet Mohammed.
"And you will never find any Muslim who will say any bad words about Jesus.
"I would like to invite him to a debate to see the Muslim point of view.
"Maybe he has been affected by the media these days because there is a lot of bad reports about Muslims and linking that with terrorism – he is mixing some of the political issues here with religion.
"I'm aware there are some Muslims using Islam for the sake of political view – but that doesn't mean all Muslims approve of that."
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