Archbishop of Canterbury withdraws interfaith harmony award for Muslim cleric who praised bin Laden

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has withdrawn the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation from Muslim cleric Imam Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi. The award, presented on the anniversary of 9/11 for Ashrafi's "outstanding work as an ambassador of interfaith harmony in Pakistan," was rescinded after comments he reportedly made in 2007 resurfaced. In these comments, Ashrafi allegedly praised Osama bin Laden, stating he had been "serving Muslims by waging jihad against infidels." Lambeth Palace confirmed the withdrawal, citing that "Previous comments made by Imam Ashrafi have come to light that have led Lambeth Palace to reconsider this award." Ashrafi, chairman of the Pakistani Ulema Council, claimed his comments were "taken out of context."