State Power and "Community Cohesiveness"

The magazine Christianity Today reports that a British pastor is under police investigation for criticizing Islam. Here's an excerpt from a British news report:

POLICE today launched an investigation into comments by a Norwich religious leader branding Islam "an evil religion".

The Rev Dr Alan Clifford, pastor of Norwich Reformed Church, yesterday told the Evening News he backed the views of BNP leader Nick Griffin, who was shown in a TV documentary telling party members Islam was a "vicious, wicked faith."

His comments sparked outrage among fellow religious leaders and anti-racist groups.

The Evening News was today contacted by the Race Crime Unit of Norfolk police to provide further information about Dr Clifford's comments, after saying they were concerned his remarks could damage "community cohesiveness".

Abraham Eshetu, diversity officer at Norfolk police, said: "We will be investigating the comments made by Mr Clifford."

In addition to the obvious implications this has for religious liberty and freedom of speech, there are serious concerns raised for the social viability of mediating structures (and subsidiarity more generally) when the trump of state power is brought to bear on groups that are perceived to threaten "community cohesiveness."

Rob