First Islamic theology faculty in Western Europe opens in Germany

University of Münster. Photo: Wikipedia

The first Islamic theology faculty at a public university in Western Europe has opened at the University of Münster in Germany, Newformat reports.

The new faculty is headed by Austrian sociologist and scholar of religion Mouhanad Khorchide, who has worked at the university for 15 years. According to Khorchide, Catholic, Protestant, and Islamic theology are now united under one roof in Münster. By 2027, the university plans to open a “Campus of Religions” that will bring together all theological disciplines. The faculty already employs eight professors and more than 50 staff members.

Student enrollment is expected to grow from 15 in 2012 to 500. Demand for graduates is linked to a shortage of Islamic religion teachers in German schools. In the state of North Rhine–Westphalia alone, around 3,000 such teachers are needed, while only about 330 are currently employed. The dean said the faculty aims to promote an “open, enlightened Islam” and foster interfaith dialogue.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Islamists in Nigeria killed 28 Christians and a pastor.

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