A newly-founded Islamic Central Council of Switzerland says it aims to be the main grassroots Muslim organization in the country. The group currently has about 500 members and hopes to win a total of 10,000 participants by the end of 2011, according to spokesman Qaasim Illi. The group represents the orthodox Sunni Muslims and has…
Swiss voters’ clear decision on Sunday to ban the construction of minarets has generated a wide range of emotions, from stunned joy to rueful concern. Supporters of the initiative said the Swiss electorate wanted to put a brake on the Islamicisation of their country, whereas opponents were concerned about the violation of rights, not to…
The Swiss Council of Religions, which groups Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders, has issued a statement rejecting a call for the country to ban the construction of minarets at mosques. “For the members of a religious community, religious buildings are not only places to gather but also a symbol of their faith and an expression…
The president of the Swiss Council of Religions, which was set up last year, says interreligous dialogue is more necessary now than ever. Thomas Wipf gave an interview to swissinfo in the context of a new dossier on the changing face of religion in Switzerland, which was launched on Monday. But Wipf says the principles…
