Government opposed to state-backed training for imams
The government has decided against introducing state-run training courses for imams as a way of preventing the potential radicalisation of extremist preachers.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/urs, dos
A religious neutrality clause in the Swiss constitution and an international comparison led the government to its conclusion that state training is “unsuitable”, it said on Wednesday.
The statement came in response to a 2016 call by parliament to examine ways of preventing “Islamic proselytising” and to better use the potential of imams to integrate Muslims in society.
While it agrees with the integration aim, the government said that official training would run against the state’s obligation to remain neutral towards religions and not to interfere in religious communities.
Promoting more “professionalisation” and private training courses for the occupation – not just imams but all sorts of religious and spiritual guidance figures – is a better way of ensuring such people promote integration rather than division, the government said.
More
More
Do imams need Swiss training?
This content was published on
Many imams at Swiss mosques spend only a few years in Switzerland, and have little understanding of how Muslims here actually live.
The state also wants to in future bring more spiritual workers into official institutions like the army, hospitals, the asylum system, and the justice system, the government said – when they are “moderate”, they can be an important force against radicalisation.
The government also based its decision on a study comparing eight other European countries, none of which provide official state training for imams.
Ministers however also recommended that parliament adopt a motion raised by a Senate committee calling for better control of religious figures who do spread radical ideas through their preaching.
More
More
Controversial Muslim preacher to face trial
This content was published on
Abu Ramadan will have to stand trial in a district court, the Bern cantonal prosecutor’s office said on Wednesday.
Is reforming the Swiss pension system still possible, and if so, how?
Solutions still need to be found to meet the challenge of an ageing population and to improve the pensions of low-paid workers, the majority of whom are women.
Swiss to reduce administrative burden on farms from 2026
This content was published on
From 2026, the number of inspections of farms is to be reduced, without any loss of quality, said economics minister Guy Parmelin.
Swiss insurance boss proposes Singapore-style healthcare system
This content was published on
CEO of Swiss health insurer Sanitas has said that healthcare costs could be reduced if Switzerland were to follow the Singapore model.
Swiss minister talks crime and security in visit to the Netherlands
This content was published on
Swiss justice minister Beat Jans spent two days in the Netherlands discussing security, police cooperation and justice with international bodies.
Study finds more heavy metal detected in Swiss grassland
This content was published on
Copper and zinc can be expected to accumulate in the soil, particularly if farmyard manure is used for several years and is greater than the amount of nutrients absorbed by the grass. This was announced by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) on Friday. The findings are based on the results of the seventh National Soil Monitoring of Switzerland (Nabo).
Lilo Baur wins Swiss Grand Prix for performing arts
This content was published on
The Swiss actress and theatre director Lilo Baur has received this year's Swiss Grand Prix for Performing Arts, also known as the Hans Reinhart Ring.
Court rules al-Qaeda supporter can stay in Switzerland
This content was published on
A Kurdish supporter of the Islamist terrorist network al-Qaeda can stay in Switzerland, the Federal Administrative Court has ruled. It has withdrawn the annulment of the man’s provisional admission.
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) has closed criminal proceedings relating to the Swiss owners affected by the Volkswagen “Dieselgate” emissions scandal.
This content was published on
The employment outlook in Switzerland will remain stable towards the end of 2024, according to the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich.
Swiss woman accuses Donald Trump of sexual assault
This content was published on
A former Miss Switzerland candidate has accused Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her in New York in 1993. The US Republican candidate’s campaign team has denied the accusations.
Imam: 99% of radicalisation happens outside mosques
This content was published on
Two-thirds of the Swiss refuse to recognise Islam as an official religion, requiring Muslims in Switzerland to make a greater effort to integrate.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.