XI.
The damaging consequences of the formation of ghettos and cliques, of failed integration, a dearth of opportunities on the job market and social exclusion, include violence and crime.
The figures and statistics on this are often misused. If they are read with care, then some conclusions turn out to be mere prejudice.
However, it is true that young male foreigners and ethnic German immigrants from Eastern Europe in particular are involved in a disproportionately large share of crimes and acts of violence. They must, just like all other criminals, be duly punished, and as quickly as possible.
However, the statistics also show that where integration, through education, vocational training and work, has succeeded, violence and crime is no more prevalent among young foreigners than among young Germans.
Incidentally, a skinhead with heavy boots does not seem any less dangerous to me just because he might have a German passport.
XII.
Although our society is still strongly influenced by Christian traditions, it is more secularized than many realize. Is it not so nowadays that for some without a religious upbringing themselves, their Muslim neighbor is the first person they have encountered who lives his religion in his daily life? And, inversely, is it not the case that devout Muslims, particularly in our cities, often have the impression that they really do live in a world of "unbelievers", against which they believe they can only protect themselves by strictly adhering to their own traditions? Strict Islamic educators and parents are afraid that their children will turn their backs on religion, thus mirroring the experiences of parents in this country with their children during the last few decades.
Freedom of belief and religion applies to everyone in our country, not only to Christians. That also includes the freedom to express one's beliefs – in religious ceremonies and in religious premises. That is why there are now mosques in many German cities.
It took many of us a while to get used to the sight of those mosques built in a traditional style. I would add that many would find it easier if Christians in Islamic countries had the same right to live their beliefs, as well as to build churches.
I support the right to Islamic religious instruction in our schools. These lessons should be conducted in German by state-trained and approved teachers and based on teaching concepts which have been drawn up by approved Islamic partners and authorized by the Ministries of Education.
print version
return to list
previous document