Should students who smoke marijuana or wear miniskirts be allowed to join Muslim student groups? This is a question many Muslim university students are grappling with. The choice of being inclusive will inevitably alienate rigid adherents who no longer feel comfortable in the “corrupting” presence of more liberal Muslims. Inclusiveness for these groups requires a…
The president of France’s largest Muslim group, the Union of French Islamic Organizations (UOIF), Thami Breze, defended a new course for would-be Muslim spiritual leaders at the Catholic Institute in Paris. Citing the strict separation of church and state, other French institutions including the Sorbonne, Paris 8, and other state universities have declined to be…
The training of Muslims by the Catholic Institute of Paris began on January 29th, in a course on rhetoric. Twenty-three people registered for the course, mainly from the Mosque of Paris, a partner in this unique initiative. Students include those of Algerian, Moroccan, and Tunisian descent, and also several women who are interested in hospital…
Italy’s Moroccan Women’s Association took part in an event to reflect on a recent decision made by a prestigious Rome university, to oppose a visit by Pope Benedict XVI. The Pope cancelled a visit to Rome’s La Sapienza University after protests by academics and students concerning his position on the astronomer Galileo. Souad Sbai, the…
The Paris Grand Mosque and the city’s Catholic university are teaming up to offer university education for imams, hoping to promote a more modern Islam and integrate immigrant community leaders into France. The offered courses include study in the social and economic sciences, and are meant to encourage a better comprehension of French culture and…
