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Muslims Get Mixed Messages On Their Integration In Germany

By Howard M. Friedman

Deutsche Welle reported yesterday that Muslims in Germany are getting mixed messages from top government leaders.  On Sunday, Germany's President Christian Wulff, in a speech marking the 20th anniversary of German reunification, called for the integration of Muslims in Germany. In his speech, Wulff said: "Christianity doubtless belongs in Germany. Judaism belongs doubtless in Germany. That is our Judeo-Christian history. But now, Islam also belongs in Germany." A day later, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, endorsed Wulff's views but added that Muslims living in Germany must conform to "fundamental German values." She said there was no leeway on this demand. Meanwhile Norbert Geis, a member of parliament from a Bavarian party allied with Merkel's Christian Democrats said that Wulff's statement should not be interpreted to mean that Islam and Christianity have an equal footing in Germany.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on October 05, 2010 (boomark / email).