The British government is to fund a board of ‘moderate’ Islamic theologians in an attempt to sideline ‘hardliners.’ The move will see Oxford and Cambridge Universities host a group of scholars who will lead debate on key issues such as women and loyalty to the UK. The plans have angered some Muslim activists who accuse ministers of trying to create state-sponsored Islam. But Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said it was government’s job to support Muslim leaders on controversial issues. Under the plans, the two universities will bring together about 20 leading thinkers, yet to be named, to debate critical issues affecting Muslims in the UK. The Department for Communities is responsible for the government’s strategy to combat violent extremism, known as “Prevent”. The board’s work will focus on examining issues relating to Islam’s place in Britain and obligations as a citizen. Ministers say the board’s membership will “reflect the diversity of Islam and Muslim communities in the UK” and the work will include seminars around the country. Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra, a leading imam from Leicester, said establishing a specialist board was the brainchild of a group of Muslims, not the government.
UK GOVT FUNDS MUSLIM THINKERS TO SIDELINE ’HARDLINERS’
The British government is to fund a board of ‘moderate’ Islamic theologians in an attempt to sideline ‘hardliners.’ The move will see Oxford and Cambridge Universities host a group of scholars who will lead debate on key issues such as women and loyalty to the UK.