Finland: Universities Welcome Imams

Finland: Universities Welcome Imams Via YLE: The idea of third-level education for imams was also welcomed at the Faculty of Theology at the University of Helsinki. However, the dean of the faculty Aila Lauha emphasised that, in line with general university standards, such education should be based on research rather than on religious faith. Drawing comparisons to the education of Lutheran priests, Lauha noted that the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran church does not get to determine the contents of their education. Lauha supports high-quality professional research on Islam, as well as its inclusion as a university subject. The research should focus on the history, doctrine, faith and present-day realities of Islam. Universities are ready for a dialogue with the Muslim community about the contents of such education, although in the final analysis this needs to conform to university standards. (source)