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Niall Carson/PA Wire
UK News

Jeremy Corbyn criticised CofE after vicar's social media suspension

Revd Stephen Sizer was banned from social media by the Bishop of Guildford after he posted an "indefensible" link online, claiming Israel was behind the 9/11 terror attacks in the US in 2001.

He posted the link and said "Is this anti-Semitic? It raises so many questions".

Revd Stephen Sizer

Revd Stephen Sizer 

The vicar, who serves at Christ Church, in Virginia Water, Surrey, was told to step back from all writing, speaking, blogging and social media on the Middle East for six months after he demonstrated "appallingly poor judgment" in February.

Following the story appearing in the press, Jeremy Corbyn wrote to the Church saying the vicar was 'under attack' by a group in favour of Israel.

He was victimised because he 'dared to speak out against Zionism', Mr Corbyn wrote.

The letter, which has been obtained by the Daily Mail, said: "Reverend Stephen Sizer seems to have come under attack by certain individuals intent on discrediting the excellent work that Stephen does in highlighting the injustices of the Palestinian Israeli situation.

"The internet is a complicated piece of technology and with the best will in the world, imperfect links are made and one would have to spend 8 hours a day "surfing" the net just to be 100% certain one's views to not become contaminated in any way at all.

"Even then, connections can inadvertently be made."

At the time the Bishop of Guildford, Rt Revd Andrew Watson, said: "By associating with or promoting subject matter, which is either ambiguous in its motivation, or (worse still) openly racist, he has crossed a serious line. I regard these actions as indefensible.

"I have welcomed Stephen's apology, his recognition of the deep hurt caused by his actions, his acknowledgement of the gross insensitivity of their timing just prior to Holocaust Memorial Day, and his retraction of the ridiculous suggestion that Israel may have been complicit in the events of 9/11. I have also recognized that much of Stephen's ministry in other areas and at other times has been good, wise and wholesome."

Niall Carson/PA Wire

The September 11 attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda on the United States in New York City and the Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001.

The attacks killed 2,996 people.

Premier has contacted Jeremy Corbyn for a statement.

The MP for Islington North has become one of the favourites to take over the leadership of Labour.

But he's faced criticism from many within his own party.

Rivals Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall said the veteran left-winger was trying to "turn the clock back" after he hinted he could re-instate Clause IV, which enshrined "common ownership of the means of production" in the party's constitution.

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