THE Archbishop of Canterbury is expected to defend himself today from the angry response to his comments on sharia law.

Rowan Williams is likely to mention the row during his presidential address to the General Synod in London.

He has been embroiled in controversy since Thursday for claiming the adoption of elements of Islamic legal codes in the UK "seems unavoidable".

At least two Synod members have called for Dr Williams to go and he has faced criticism from leading bishops, secular groups and government figures.

The Synod has powers to hold emergency debates over matters of concern within the Church, but sources have said these are rare.

Reports said the Archbishop would directly address the furore over his comments.

Lambeth Palace officials were quoted as suggesting he was prepared to improvise the 30-minute address to clarify his position over the row, when he had originally planned to speak mainly about the ordeal of Christians living under Robert Mugabe's regime in Zimbabwe.

Criticism of his comments continued to mount at the weekend.

His predecessor Lord (George) Carey wrote in a newspaper: "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."

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. 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."

Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor, the leader of Catholics in England and Wales, said: "When people come into this country they have to obey the laws of the land."

He added: "There are aspects of sharia that are practised that we certainly wouldn't want in this country. The laws of this country don't allow forced marriages or polygamy.

"It seems to me a government and a country has a right to make sure that those laws are kept."

Former chancellor Ken Clarke said of the Archbishop: "He's one of the most unworldly men I have ever met, together with being one of the most intelligent and plainly one of the most saintly and he has got himself into an absolutely classic British row."