Christian People's Alliance challenges Owen Jones to debate on Islam

Sid Cordle was invited onto the BBC's Daily Politics show on Tuesday. BBC / Daily Politics

The Christian People's Alliance is challenging Guardian columnist Owen Jones to a debate 'Christ v Islam' after a furious row on the BBC's Daily Politics show.

Party leader Sid Cordle clashed with Jones on the lunchtime programme over the CPA's policies on marriage, homosexuality and Islam.

After the debate, the CPA's twitter account challenged Jones to a debate.

Cordle, who used to be a Conservative party councillor, said: 'We're not against the people, we stand for the principles. As far as homosexuality is concerned, we believe we should protect marriage as between a man and a woman, because it's there for children.

'As far as we're concerned it's about protecting children. That's our priority.'

But Jones, who is an LGBT rights campaigner, rebutted Cordle and said: 'One of the many things that makes me proud to be British is that LGBT people who have fought against oppression and persecution for many years, who were persecuted because of people like yourself, have driven your bigotry back.

'You hate us for the rights that we have, rights which as British citizens other people take for granted.

'We love people, just as straight people do. We want the same rights. We're not asking for special treatment.'

Turning to the subject of Islam, Cordle insisted his party's policy was open debate.

Jones retorted by saying Cordle was 'a threat to our democracy'.

He said: 'There are millions of Muslims like the Mayor of London [Sadiq Khan] who have fought for the rights of LGBT people against the bigotry you represent, who believe in a secular democracy with equal rights for all.'

The segment ends with Cordle shouting over presenter Jo Coburn and accusing the BBC of 'fake news'.

You can watch it in full below:

News
Burnout and isolation are common problems for Church of England clergy - report
Burnout and isolation are common problems for Church of England clergy - report

Clergy described burnout, feelings of isolation, diminished morale, and ongoing financial strain.

Evangelical Alliance updates Christian course for South Asian seekers
Evangelical Alliance updates Christian course for South Asian seekers

The Evangelical Alliance (EA) has announced the launch of a new set of resources aimed at introducing the gospel to people of South Asian heritage.

Samaritan’s Purse plane hijacked; suspect in custody
Samaritan’s Purse plane hijacked; suspect in custody

A Samaritan's Purse plane carrying aid to South Sudan was hijacked earlier this week. A suspect has been detained, and no serious injuries are being reported.

Thousands attend launch of nationwide Christmas evangelistic campaign at Royal Albert Hall
Thousands attend launch of nationwide Christmas evangelistic campaign at Royal Albert Hall

A major evangelistic outreach for the Christmas season formally got underway this week at the Royal Albert Hall.