04.07.2011
The University of Osnabrueck, which implemented the first programme at German universities to train imams in October 2010, celebrated the 30 participants’ successful completion of the two-semester course last week. The key agenda of the course is to train imams in Germany (who are predominantly from Turkey) in the German language as well as ways of preaching Islam that are consistent with Germany’s liberal democratic order and values such as religious freedom and tolerance. Being able to speak the German language facilitates better interaction with young Muslims in Germany – the group most prone to radicalisation and extremism. In addition, participation in the course also has symbolic meaning, as imams demonstrate their willingness to integrate.
