The Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ) wants to initiate an "Austrian way" in Imam training and has opened the discussion about its basic features with a symposium in Vienna on Monday.

Islamic Religious Community Wants to Train Imams in Austria

The goal is a training that is oriented towards the specific circumstances and needs of the country, anchored in universities, and minimises dependence on foreign institutions, it was explained. To this end, consideration is being given to starting a separate academy for Imams, said IGGÖ President Ümit Vural on this occasion to Kathpress. No information has yet been given regarding financing or a desired timetable.

With the legal recognition of Islam since 1912 and the institutionalisation of the religious community, Austria has a unique starting position in Europe to set new standards, said the IGGÖ president. With the universities of Vienna and Innsbruck as well as the Church-Pedagogical College Vienna/Krems, there are already potential partners for an Imam Academy to meet both theological and pedagogical demands. The Imam training should also include the pastoral care area and therefore, like the training of priests or rabbis, be at the core of the religious community.

Around 200 Imams Active in Austria

Currently, around 200 Imams are active in Austria, almost all of whom were trained in other countries such as Turkey, Bosnia or Arab states. "We want to change this by drawing on the expertise of existing communities and at the same time incorporating international best practice examples," said Vural. The training should be open not only to men but also to women.

The task of the IGGÖ will be not only to impart specialist knowledge but also to train "bridge builders" - between the Muslim community and the majority society, between tradition and modernity, and also between religions. "Interreligious dialogue will be an essential part of the training," Vural promised the conference participants, who included not only the entire IGGÖ leadership but also Military Bishop Werner Freistetter and Cult Office Director Florian Welzig.

(APA/Red)

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