The first Islamic theology faculty in Germany was inaugurated on Thursday, October 2 (September 24) in the city of Münster, located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. At the opening ceremony held at the Münster Palace, over 300 international guests and representatives from politics, churches, and universities were present.
Goals of the Faculty
Mohammad Khorshid, the head of this faculty, announced the center's goal as providing "Islamic theology with Europe and for Europe." He emphasized, "The faculty is not a pulpit; preaching is done in the mosque, and our questions do not diminish anything from God." He also stressed the necessity of freedom for scientific activities in this center, stating that this freedom must be maintained regardless of external influences.
Khorshid also pointed out that Islam should distance itself from the role of a victim and demonstrate how it can help solve the major challenges of society. He expressed disappointment that Islamic associations have not yet approached this center for the education of their imams and emphasized the importance of Muslim participation in shaping a "we" that is German and European.
Global Impacts and International Collaborations
Sahirun Shamsuddin from the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs considered the establishment of this faculty a significant transformation for Islamic theology in Western Europe that could have a global impact. Ghoncheh Turkeli-Dahner, Deputy Minister of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia, also emphasized the need for a stable position for Islamic theology in German public universities.
This faculty has more authority than the "Islamic Theology Center" that previously operated in Münster. This center can establish its own internal regulations, launch academic programs, conduct examinations, and offer doctoral programs and "habilitation".
German media reported that a "Theology Campus" is to be established in Münster in collaboration with Catholic and Protestant theology faculties and other religious studies programs. Johannes Wessels, the president of the University of Münster, described this complex as an "important center for interfaith dialogue."
Gabor Langiel, the rabbi of Hamburg, wished Khorshid success in his remarks and expressed his readiness to collaborate in turning both religions into a "global voice for reconciliation and peace." Heiner Wilmer, the Catholic bishop of Münster, also emphasized the importance of theology in addressing social challenges.
Adelaide Rock-Schröder, the president of the Protestant Church of Westphalia, expressed hope that now Muslims and their Islamic faculty can also effectively make their voices heard in society.
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