White House condemns ISIS beheading of British citizen Alan Henning

The White House has condemned the beheading of British hostage Alan Henning, following the release of a video appearing to show his killing by ISIS. 

"The United States strongly condemns the brutal murder of United Kingdom citizen Alan Henning by the terrorist group ISIL," said a White House statement.

The video, released on Friday, shows Henning kneeling in an orange jumpsuit. He says: "Because of our parliament's decision to attack the Islamic State, I, as a member of the British public, will now pay the price for that decision."

Henning, a taxi driver from Manchester, was in Syria as part of an aid convoy taking supplies to a hospital. He was abducted in December last year.

Another hostage is later identified as American Peter Edward Kassig.

Henning's beheading follows those of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, and British aid worker David Haines.

Shuja Shafi, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said it was "a despicable and offensive act."

"It is quite clear that the murderers of Alan Henning have no regard for Islam, or for the Muslims around the world who pleaded for his life," Shafi said.

related articles
Reports of James Foley execution prompts outpouring of prayer
Reports of James Foley execution prompts outpouring of prayer

Reports of James Foley execution prompts outpouring of prayer

Parents of murdered journalist James Foley sustained by their faith: \'He\'s in God\'s hands\'
Parents of murdered journalist James Foley sustained by their faith: 'He's in God's hands'

Parents of murdered journalist James Foley sustained by their faith: 'He's in God's hands'

British jihadis are threat to Christian heritage of tolerance and should be banished - former Archbishop of Canterbury
British jihadis are threat to Christian heritage of tolerance and should be banished - former Archbishop of Canterbury

British jihadis are threat to Christian heritage of tolerance and should be banished - former Archbishop of Canterbury

New ISIS video appears to show beheading of Steven Sotloff
New ISIS video appears to show beheading of Steven Sotloff

New ISIS video appears to show beheading of Steven Sotloff

US journalist Steven Sotloff beheaded as British hostage\'s life threatened
US journalist Steven Sotloff beheaded as British hostage's life threatened

US journalist Steven Sotloff beheaded as British hostage's life threatened

Al-Qaeda asks IS to release British hostage Alan Henning
Al-Qaeda asks IS to release British hostage Alan Henning

Al-Qaeda asks IS to release British hostage Alan Henning

Does ISIS\' latest hostage video mark a change of tactics?
Does ISIS' latest hostage video mark a change of tactics?

Does ISIS' latest hostage video mark a change of tactics?

ISIS release second video of hostage John Cantlie
ISIS release second video of hostage John Cantlie

ISIS release second video of hostage John Cantlie

Krish Kandiah: Could I have been radicalised without Jesus?
Krish Kandiah: Could I have been radicalised without Jesus?

Krish Kandiah: Could I have been radicalised without Jesus?

News
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures

Hundreds of churches across the UK are receiving vital financial support to remain open and safe, as rising repair costs and shrinking funding streams place historic buildings under increasing strain.

How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year
How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year

Make the most of these last days of the year to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with God.

US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians

The US military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria over the violent "targeting" of Christians. 

Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment
Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment

The first openly gay Archbishop of Wales says her appointment has caused some people to leave the Church in Wales.