Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
September 14, 2009

The Swiss Catholic bishops’ conference is opposing a proposal to curb the influence of Islam in Switzerland by banning the production of minarets. A statement by the bishops said the ban of minarets, the high, slender towers attached to mosques, would hinder interreligious dialogue. “As bishops and Swiss citizens, we are pleased that there are no longer any special articles relating to religion in the constitution and we wish that no new ones should be introduced," the bishops said, noting that their opposition "is based on our Christian values and the democratic principles in our country." The bishops also noted that Swiss building codes already regulate the construction of minarets. The ban was proposed by the Swiss People's Party, the largest party in the Swiss parliament. Supporters of the initiative see minarets as political symbols and signs of an increasing Islamic presence in Switzerland. The proposal will be put to a nationwide referendum on Nov. 29.

Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.

The latest from america

After an early morning attack on the Holy Family Church in Gaza, Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire, dialogue and peace in the region.
Something essential is lost when generations remain siloed at church.
Juan MercedJuly 17, 2025
You’ve got a 401K. But do you have a spiritual retirement plan?
Myles N. SheehanJuly 17, 2025
Syrian security forces secure the area near St. Joseph Church in the Bab-Sharqi neighborhood of Damascus, Syria June 23, 2025, following the June 22 suicide bombing at Mar Elias Church. (OSV News photo/Firas Makdesi, Reuters)
A brief opening to shore up progress toward stability in Syria unfortunately coincides with Trump administration decisions to sharply curtail humanitarian and development assistance and to terminate the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Kevin ClarkeJuly 17, 2025