Church 'deeply distressed' by offense over reading of Quran during cathedral service

The head of the Scottish Episcopal Church has said that he is "deeply distressed" by the offense caused by the reading of the Quran during a service at St. Mary's Cathedral in Glasgow.

Muslim law student Madinah Javed performed the reading at the invitation of the cathedral's provost, Rev. Kelvin Holdsworth. The passages that were read at the service marking the feast of the Epiphany reportedly denied that Jesus was the Son of God.

The reading was criticized by retired Anglican bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, who said that it was inappropriate for the feast of the Epiphany, which celebrates the revelation that Jesus was the Son of God.

The former bishop called on Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, to publicly distance the Church of England from the event. The conservative group, Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) UK, also urged Welby to intervene, but a Lambeth Palace spokesman has noted that the Archbishop has no jurisdiction because the cathedral is not a member of the Church of England.

The cathedral reportedly became the target of offensive messages on social media following the incident.

Holdsworth defended the reading, noting that similar events have taken place in the cathedral as well as other churches in the past.

Police Scotland has stated last week that it is investigating the offensive messages directed at the cathedral, according to the Guardian.

David Chillingworth, primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, denounced the abusive messages aimed at the church in a blog post.

"The decisions which have led to the situation in St Mary's Cathedral are a matter for the provost and the cathedral community but the Scottish Episcopal Church is deeply distressed at the widespread offence which has been caused," said Chillingworth, who also serves as the bishop of St. Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane.

"We also deeply regret the widespread abuse which has been received by the cathedral community," he added.

Chillingworth went on to emphasize the church's commitment to interfaith work.

"Our intention will be as a Church to explore how, particularly in the area of worship, this work can be carried forward in ways which will command respect. Our desire is that this should be a worthy expression of the reconciliation to which all Christians are called," he said.