The Archbishop of Canterbury is "horrified" at the hostile reaction to his controversial comments on sharia law and mounting calls for him to go, his predecessor said.
Lord (George) Carey also criticised Rowan Williams, accusing him of overstating the case for accommodating Islamic legal codes. But he said he should not be forced to quit over his remarks, which have sparked a furore.
Writing in the News of the World, Lord Carey said: "He has in my opinion overstated the case for accommodating Islamic legal codes. His conclusion that Britain will eventually have to concede some place in law for aspects of sharia is a view I cannot share."
He went on: "There can be no exceptions to the laws of our land which have been so painfully honed by the struggle for democracy and human rights. His acceptance of some Muslim laws within British law would be disastrous for the nation."
But Lord Carey also defended the Archbishop saying: "This is not a matter upon which Dr Williams should resign.
"He is a great leader in the Anglican tradition and he has a very important role to play in the Church.
"He has my full support. I telephoned him to say this to him and to tell him he is in my prayers. I understand he is horrified by what has happened."
Lord Carey said the public debate that has been sparked by Dr Williams' comments might have the positive effect of ensuring that the country's existing sharia councils operate under British law.
Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, Lord Carey said: "The storm of criticism that has greeted the Archbishop of Canterbury's lecture on sharia law in Britain will no doubt have disappointed him but, in fact, he may have done us a great favour by airing this whole area of controversy.
"He might even be regarded as prescient for discussing sharia, even before demand builds among Muslim communities for special provision in British law."hop is "horrified" by the adverse reaction to his remarks and the mounting calls for him to go.
