Church of England vicar apologises for 'Israel 9/11' post

A Church of England vicar has apologised after being criticised for posting a link to an internet article blaming Israel for the September 11 terror attacks.

Reverend Stephen Sizer used Facebook to promote the article entitled “9/11 Israel did it” and reportedly wrote: “Is this anti-semitic? It raises so many questions.”

Dr Sizer, vicar at Christ Church in Virginia Water, Surrey, England, faced an investigation from the Diocese of Guildford where he is licensed.

He has now issued a statement through the diocese expressing regret and admitting that sharing the article was “ill-considered and misguided”.

And he said he has immediately suspended his use of all social media and blogs until further notice at the request of the diocese.

Dr Sizer’s statement said: “I very much regret and apologise for the distress caused by the sharing on Facebook of a link to an article about 9/11 from Wikispooks.

“It was particularly insensitive in that last week coincided with Holocaust Memorial Day.

“I removed the link as soon as I received adverse feedback, and realised that offence had been caused.

“I have never believed Israel or any other country was complicit in the terrorist atrocity of 9/11, and my sharing of this material was ill-considered and misguided.”

Dr Sizer has previously been accused of linking to extremist content and a formal complaint was made by the Board of Deputies of British Jews in October 2012.

The Bishop of Dorking, the Right Revd Ian Brackley, said the diocese is “committed to building cohesive communities and fostering strong interfaith relations built on trust and respect”.