UK: Chaplains answer to Muslim extremism, says minister

UK: Chaplains answer to Muslim extremism, says minister

See also:
* Denmark: Moderate imams answer to prison radicalization
* Copenhagen: Prison imam guides husbands on wife-beating
* Norway: Employ imams against prison extremism


Chaplains in universities, prisons and hospitals are an important weapon in the battle against Muslim extremism, according to a Government minister.


Shahid Malik, a junior communities minister, said staff who provide spiritual care can help guide those who have a “distorted view of religion or society”.


It comes amid growing concern about the ability of radical preachers and terrorists to infiltrate public institutions in Britain.


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“Recent events have led to questions about the influences at work in some of our institutions,” said Mr Malik.


“We know that chaplains are not the problem when it comes to tackling extremism but they can be part of solution.


“By offering the support, advice and theological guidance to individuals who may be attracted to a distorted view of religion or society they have an important role to play in ensuring that extremists do not gain any traction in our public institutions.”


He welcomed a new report on the role of chaplains in public sector organisations, funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government, which focused on the experience of Muslims.


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Source: Daily Telegraph