French Muslim body calls for imams to require 'licence to preach'
A French Muslim body has said that imams should be issued a permit to regulate preachers in light of the Paris attacks
Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve meets members of the French Council of the Muslim Faith (AFP)
Published date: 24 November 2015 13:39 GMT
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Last update: 9 years ago
France's leading Muslim body called on Tuesday for imams to require a permit to preach in a bid to root out "extremists", and for a new religious body to fight back against religiously motivated militant propaganda.
Anouar Kbibech, president of the French Council for the Muslim Religion (CFCM), said the country's imams should be given a certificate - "like a driving licence" - that ensured they promoted a "tolerant and open Islam".
The council said it would hand out the permits by testing theological knowledge and adherence to French principles, and make them sign an "imams' charter" in which they agreed to "respect the laws of the Republic".
Kbibech did not say whether he thought the process should be obligatory for all imams.
"The time for action has come. The Muslims of France will play their part," said Kbibech.
He also said the CFCM would set up a "religious council" that would challenge militant ideologies, including the Islamic State group, using theological arguments.
Coming 11 days after the attacks that killed 130 people in Paris, Kbibech said those who engaged in violence would "never have the support of France's Muslims".
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