A VICAR from South Woodford has called for a national campaign against the BBC’s appointment of a “controversial” muslim as its new head of religion.

Rev Robert Hampson, of the Holy Trinity Church in South Woodford, said the hiring of Aaqil Ahmed to the post was a “betrayal” of Britain’s Christian roots, and might push people in Wanstead and Woodford towards “dangerous” far right politics.

As the Guardian reported earlier this year, Rev Hampson was furious at Mr Ahmed for commissioning the TV series ‘Christianity: A History’, when he worked for Channel Four. The prominent Redbridge vicar argued the programme inaccurately portrayed his faith in a negative light.

Rev Hampson said: “I’m absolutely horrified. The BBC are placing political correctness over common decency.

“It’s just one thing after another. He’s perfectly entitled to his views, and everyone should have freedom of speech, but Christianity: A History was an insult to Christians. The man who helped make this possible should not be in charge of religious programming.

“That type of programme wouldn’t have happened against Islam and it wouldn’t have happened against Judaism.”

He added: “It’s fuel for the far right. Can one be surprised that people are turning to them?

“There needs to be a stand against this disgusting betrayal.”

But Claire Rainford, Acting Head of News Management, defended the appointment.

She told the Guardian: “Aaqil Ahmed was appointed as he was the best candidate for the role.

“It is BBC policy to recruit on the basis of experience and suitability to the post, not on the basis of faith.

“Aaqil has almost ten years experience in religious broadcasting and has previously worked at the BBC where he was Deputy Editor for Documentaries at BBC Religion.”

Dr Mohammed Fahim, Imam of South Woodford Mosque, said he trusted Rev Hampson’s judgement.

He said: “I have deep respect for Rev Hampson and I would never criticism him. This is his own view and he is entitled to it.”

He added: “I’m sure this man has the qualifications to make him head of religion, but he must respect all faiths.

“It would be wrong for anyone to judge a man because of his religion - what matters is whether he will be good at the job.”