Muslims ask for use of empty French churches

March 15, 2011

Muslims in France have asked for the use of empty Catholic churches, saying that this would "prevent Muslims from having to pray in the streets." Father Samir Khalil Samir, a Jesuit expert on Islam, explains why the proposal is absurd.

Christian churches are consecrated: sacred places, dedicated to worship, Father Samir says. If they are now empty, it is not by design; they are intended to be filled by a Christian community. To make them appropriate for Muslim worship would mean removing Christian elements and bringing in Islamic ones. Muslims would undoubtedly object if, later, the churches were returned to Christian worship. the rest