Building a space of worship is no longer an impossible undertaking, be it a church, mosque, or synagogue – The Generalitit of Catalonia has approved a law that aims to eliminate the discretion of town halls, while at the same time, authorizing the opening of places of worship. The law suggests that health and safety…
In many Western cities, plans to erect mosques often stir more passion than any other local issue-and politicians are leaping into the fray. NOT since Cologne was rebuilt half a century ago, out of the rubble of war, has a change in the urban landscape generated so much heat. A city whose main landmark is…
The Muslim Council of Britain launched its information and guidance document for schools entitled ‘Towards Greater Understanding- Meeting the Needs of Muslim Pupils in State Schools’ on Wednesday 21 February. Based on best practice, the document gives information and guidance on how schools can respond positively to some commonly raised issues concerning Muslim pupils including…
Pope Benedict XVI has visited one of Turkey’s most famous mosques in what is being seen as an attempt to mend relations with the Muslim community. During his tour of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the pontiff paused in silent prayer alongside senior Muslim clerics. It marks only the second papal visit in history to…
Confined to makeshift halls, the Muslim communities of Wangen and Langenthal hope for more visibility for their places of worship. But opposition continues to grow. Presently only two symbolic minarets, in Zurich and in Geneva, are serving the needs of the 350,000 Swiss Muslims.
