German President Praise Islamic Theology
“Over two thousand sanctuaries and mosques have been built in different cities of the country,” President Gauck was quoted by Anadolu Agency on Thursday, November 28 .
The president was speaking during a Thursday’s visit to Munster University’s Islamic Theology Center.
He has also asserted the fact that Islamic Theology departments in German universities are an important element of the country’s recent history.
“The establishment of faculties providing education in Islamic Theology is a pragmatic agreement for the future,” the German President said.
“Everyday more Muslims become part of the German society and take part in the development of it,” he added.
“We want to educate people who in the future will give religion lessons in schools, mosques and universities,” said the president.
Germany is believed to be home to nearly 4 million Muslims, including 220,000 in Berlin alone.
The country is Europe's second-biggest Muslim population after France, and Islam comes third in Germany after Protestant and Catholic Christianity.
Turks make up an estimated two thirds of the Muslim minority in the European country.
Germans have grown hostile to the Muslim presence recently, with a heated debate on the Muslim immigration into the country.
A recent poll by the Munster University found that Germans view Muslims more negatively than their European neighbors.
Germany’s daily Der Spiegel had warned in August 2012 that the country is becoming intolerant towards its Muslim minority.
Source: On Islam
