German Catholics call for Muslims’ rights grant

By: Nabil Raza

BONN, Germany: The Council of Catholic Bishops in Germany has entreated all State institutions and organizations to respond positively to the lawful requests by the Muslims of this country who number around three million.

In a 200-page document entitled “Christians and Muslims in Germany”, they clearly expressed their full support to the teaching of Islamic Studies in government schools, and the provision of Halal meat in places of work, at universities and schools.

It further urges local and state governments in the country to facilitate the construction of mosques in the cities, set aside prayer areas for Muslim workers, allow the beaming of the prayer call and make it possible for the Muslims to have their own cemeteries.

The bishops called for the removal of the restrictions on Christians in Arab and Islamic countries, adding that the presence of such restrictions should in no way make it justifiable for Germany to do the same with Muslims.

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Germany court leaves headscarf matter to states

KARLSRUHE, Germany: German highest court on Wednesday left it up to the country's 16 states to draft laws on whether a Muslim teacher Fereshta Ludin who wears a headscarf in class is violating the constitution, while leaders of the nation's roughly 3.5 million Muslims criticized the decision as frustrating and lacking clarity.

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