Deborah Samuel: I am profoundly disappointed that such violence still takes place in God’s name – Archbishop of Canterbury, Welby

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby has condemned the killing of Deborah Samuel, a 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto who beaten and burnt to death for alleged blasphemy

He described it as a sin against God. The Cleric in a series of tweets called on the Nigerian Government to protect religious rights.

He expressed disappointment that such violence still takes place in the name of God

Welby wrote: “I strongly condemn the appalling stoning to death of a Christian woman in Sokoto, Nigeria. This violence is a sin against God. I pray for the family and loved ones of Deborah Samuel.

“I have spent much time in northern Nigeria working with others in pursuit of reconciliation and interfaith dialogue. I am profoundly disappointed and grieved that such violence still takes place in God’s name. I’m grateful for those Nigerian Muslim leaders that have condemned this atrocity. I call for renewed efforts by the Nigerian Government to ensure liberty and equality under the law – whether for Christians or Muslims – which was so tragically absent in this case. I urged people to pray for interfaith dialogue, reconciliation and peace in Nigeria.”