Swedish Doctor of Theology Calls for Separation of Mosque and State
In a recent opinion piece published in DN Debatt, Sameh Egyptson, a doctor of theology, has argued that the authority responsible for supporting religious communities in Sweden should refrain from providing funds to Islamic organizations that go against the country’s democratic values. Egyptson’s article highlights his concerns about the Islamic Cooperation Council, specifically their criticism of the authorities following incidents of Koran burnings.
According to Egyptson, the stance taken by the Islamic Cooperation Council, in which it seems to suggest that the Swedish state is somehow complicit in the burnings, is deeply troubling. He asserts that such actions and rhetoric can only serve to reinforce negative perceptions of the Muslim community in Sweden and further divide society.
In response to this, Egyptson proposes a clear solution – a separation between the mosque and the state, similar to the disestablishment of the Church of Sweden from government influence in the past. By implementing this separation, Egyptson believes that Swedish authorities can ensure that they are not indirectly supporting organizations that do not align with the country’s democratic principles.
Egyptson’s call for the separation of mosque and state stems from his concerns regarding the distribution of funds to Islamic organizations that may prioritize their own religious interests over the values of Swedish democracy. He argues that it is crucial for the authority responsible for supporting religious communities to carefully vet these organizations and ensure they are committed to upholding democratic principles.
While Egyptson’s article raises important questions about the role of religion in Swedish society, it also shines a spotlight on the need for a more rigorous evaluation process when it comes to providing financial support to religious organizations. As Sweden continues to navigate its multicultural landscape and strive for inclusive and democratic values, discussions surrounding the intersection of religion and state are likely to remain at the forefront of public debate.