"The Church of England obviously heard the widespread outrage at Sizer promoting 9-11 conspiracy kooks who blame Israel for the atrocities of that awful day. They must have felt the public embarrassment that these irresponsible words brought upon the entire denomination." -- IRD President Mark Tooley

Contact: Jeff Walton, Institute on Religion and Democracy, 202-682-4131, jwalton@TheIRD.org

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- A controversial Church of England cleric has issued an apology after sharing a web site over social media that asserted Israel was responsible for the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The Rev. Stephen Sizer linked to an article entitled "9/11 Israel did it." Sizer, who regularly speaks at conferences with a sharp critique of Christian groups that are supportive of Israel, has in the past been accused of anti-Semitism by the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

Sizer's apology comes after the Diocese of Guildford, where Sizer is licensed, announced an investigation of the matter. The Church of England issued a statement concerning Sizer:

"These comments would rightly be seen as unacceptable whenever they were posted. It is a matter of deep sorrow and shame that they have been posted in this week of all weeks."

IRD President Mark Tooley commented:

"Sizer has made attacking Christian support for Israel his central mission. Ironically, he comes not from the church's left-wing but its evangelical branch, giving him access to wider global audiences not otherwise available.

"Sizer has denounced Israel's 'wanton killing spree' in Gaza, celebrated the Church of England's divestment in Caterpillar stock, (the church insisted the decision was financial and not political), and rejoiced over the 'diminishing influence of the Zionist lobby in Barack Obama's new Administration.'

"In one television interview, Sizer asserted that pro-Israel Christians 'argue that Jews are above the law' and 'justify Israeli aggression.'

"Sizer claims that Christian Zionists advocate an 'exclusive theology driving a political agenda which elevates one nation over others rather than an inclusive theology centered on Jesus Christ, the savior of the world.' But it's hard to see how the Anglican vicar is promoting the Christian faith by joining hands with theocratic Islamists in Iran and elsewhere, whose ultimate apocalyptic vision includes the subordination and ultimate destruction of Christians, Jews, moderate Muslims and others who do not share their own violent brew of turbocharged extremist Islam.

"Now the church and others should disavow the wider anti-Israel obsession of Rev. Sizer and others who share his views."

www.TheIRD.org