‘Imam for Peace’ Sows Discontent

An immigrant imam in suburban France is drawing notice for his teachings. Hassen Chalghoumi preaches against the wearing of the full-bodied veil by Islamic women and seeks to make Islam accommodating to European countries. While Chalghoumi enjoys support from many non-Muslim French, including President Nicolas Sarkozy, he has attracted increasing criticism from Muslims, who argue that France needs to change to be more in line with Islam. The debate shows the ways in which religious values, carried by immigrants, change and develop in new situations and how that evolution provokes conflict within a global religion. – YaleGlobal