Archbishop of Canterbury withdraws interfaith award following cleric's past remarks

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, has rescinded the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation previously granted to Pakistani cleric Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi. The award was initially presented at Lambeth Palace on September 11, the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Lambeth Palace officials confirmed the withdrawal after reports surfaced regarding the cleric's past praise for Osama bin Laden, as well as his reported characterization of Hamas as "freedom fighters."

Bishop Azad Marshall of the Church of Pakistan had personally recommended Ashrafi for the honor, citing his efforts to support religious minorities and promote interfaith harmony. However, the decision to present the award drew significant criticism from various commentators and political figures, who questioned the vetting process. While Lambeth Palace acknowledged the cleric's history of supporting Pakistan's Christian community, they stated that the resurfaced comments necessitated a reconsideration of the honor. The Church of England has since expressed its continued commitment to praying for the Christian community in Pakistan and those engaged in genuine interfaith dialogue.