A Christian minister who recently engaged in heated on-air arguments with Muslims says he was attacked en route to the studio where he records his television show. After being cut off while driving, Noble Samuel, a pastor at Heston United Reformed Church in West London, was beaten by three men who ripped off his cross necklace and threatened: "If you go back to the studio, we'll break your legs."
According to Samuel, one of the assailants originally pretended to ask for directions but eventually forced his way into Samuel's car. He was quickly joined by two other men, who then punched, slapped and swore at the minister, in addition to stealing his laptop and Bible. Police have classified the incident as a "faith hate" assault.
Born in Pakistan, the 48-year-old Samuel moved to the United Kingdom 15 years ago to serve as a pastor in England. During the last few weeks of his Asian Gospel Show, which airs on the Venus satellite channel, he received several calls on air from Muslims who challenged his views. "They were having an argument with me," he said. "They were very aggressive in saying they did not agree with me. I said those are your views and these are my views."
After the attack, Samuel continued on with his hourlong show and was later joined by Tahir Al, the station's Muslim owner, who condemned the attacks on-air. Despite his resilience, Samuel says he and his family now fear for their safety. "I am frightened and depressed," he said. "My show is not confrontational." [dailymail.co.uk, 3/15/09]
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