Charity Commission warns Lewisham Islamic Centre over sermons

The Charity Commission has issued Lewisham Islamic Centre an official warning over its handling of speakers and events, following complaints and an assessment of evidence that included two sermons the regulator said contained inflammatory and divisive material. The centre is seeking legal advice and says the action interferes disproportionately with religious worship and solidarity with Palestinians.

The warning requires the charity to ensure activities at its premises further its charitable purposes, benefit the public and serve its best interests. It also says the centre should adopt and follow a suitable policy covering all speakers and avoid activities that unnecessarily risk damaging its reputation. The Commission warned that failure to address the identified misconduct or mismanagement could lead to further regulatory action.

In its explanation, the Commission said its finding followed complaints and an assessment of evidence concerning sermons and other events at the charity. It connected the finding, but said it was not limited, to two sermons containing material it considered inflammatory, divisive and not in the charity’s best interests. The regulator did not specify...