A leading liberal clergyman has come under fire from traditionalist Anglicans after allowing a full Muslim prayer service in his church . Reverend Giles Goddard , vicar of St John ’ s in Waterloo , central London , joined in the event by reading a passage from the Bible at the ‘ Inclusive Mosque ’ event . He then asked the congregation to praise ‘ the god that we love , Allah ’ , it was reported last night . Reverend Giles Goddard , vicar of St John ’ s in London , held an 'inclusive mosque ' event during which a full Muslim service was hosted inside his church ( pictured , painting a cross on the church for Ash Wednesday ) It is thought to be the first time an entire Islamic service has been held by the Church of England and has sparked criticism from evangelical clerics . Orthodox clergyman said the event was against canon law , which prohibits any divergence from the official liturgy . They argued that it could be ‘ offensive ’ to Christians who are persecuted for their faith . Rev Goddard defended his decision to hold the event , describing it as a ‘ very moving ’ service . He said his intention was simply to offer people a ‘ place to pray ’ . He told the Christian Today website that everything his church did was legal and within bishops ’ guidelines . Mr Goddard said he was simply offering the Muslims a place to pray , adding that the religions share 'the same God ' ( pictured , St John 's ) He added : ‘ It is very much about St John ’ s being a place of welcome . We understand God as a generous God , a God who celebrates love and celebrates life . ‘ We try and make sure we live that out . In that sense we feel very properly Anglican. ’ The ‘ Inclusive Jummah ’ was held in partnership with the Inclusive Mosque Initiative . It was organised to coincide with the run-up to International Women ’ s Day last weekend . The service was arranged by Dr Amina Wadud , a campaigner for gender justice in Islam . Rev Goddard said the service had not put off Christian churchgoers and his congregation is growing . He told the Daily Telegraph : ‘ We are offering a place for people to pray so it made absolutely perfect sense . We should be offering [ a place ] to party , we are the Church of England . ‘ They could have gone to a community centre , I suppose , but they loved being in a church , they were just really pleased and delighted to have the welcome and it was very moving , really . It is the same God , we share the same tradition. ’ At the end of the service , the vicar read a section of Psalm 139 and said : ‘ This is from the Hebrew scripture – we all share these great traditions , so let us celebrate our shared traditions , by giving thanks to the God that we love , Allah. ’ Rev Stephen Kuhrt , vicar of Christ Church , New Malden , said : ‘ I am appalled by islamophobia and when people whip up anti-Muslim frenzy , but the vicar of St John ’ s Waterloo has done something that is completely illegal , which is to allow an Islamic service to be held in his church , and then he has participated as well. ’ Critics say Rev Goddard has overstepped his bounds by introducing other faiths . Rev Robin Weekes , the minister of Wimbledon ’ s Emmanuel Church , said : ‘ The issue is not primarily that canon law has been broken , which it has , but that it is offensive to Christians who believe that there is only one God . ’
Giles Goddard , vicar of St John 's , Waterloo , held 'inclusive mosque ' event . Score: 6