Monday, March 17, 2008

Anglican priest, Canon Michael Ainsworth, beaten up in 'faith hate' incident

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article3558715.ece

[Times Online] 17 Mar 2008--An Anglican priest has been beaten up and insulted in what appears to be a “faith hate” assault by Asian youths.

Police are looking for three men after the attack in east London in which Canon Michael Ainsworth, 57, rector of St George-in-the-East, Shadwell, was attacked in his own churchyard after approaching the youths, who were behaving rowdily.

Two of the three attacked him, inflicting cuts, bruises and two black eyes. The assailants are also alleged to have insulted the cleric for his occupation.

“The suspects are Asian... and the incident is being investigated as an alleged faith hate crime,” said a police spokesman.

Under a new law introduced last year, it is an offence to stir up hatred against someone on grounds of their religion.

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