CLERICS will need a basic grasp of English before being allowed to preach in Britain, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today.
Ministers are also considering making imams and priests have professional qualifications before preaching. The moves are aimed at clamping down on rogue imams whose controversial teachings have made headlines in recent months.
Mr Blunkett said it was vital to ensure clerics had the skills needed to preach in a "diverse and cohesive" society. He also announced tighter rules to stop temporary migrants switching to permanent employment.
Measures include halving to two years the time they are allowed to stay in the country to do successive short courses below degree level.
Requirement
The government has already begun a crackdown on bogus foreign language courses and sham marriages.
Mr Blunkett said religious ministers would have to prove they have a basic grasp of English before being allowed to work here.
After two years the pre-entry requirement will be raised to ensure they can write and speak English.
The Home Office is also considering proposals which would see imams and priests who have been here for a year to demonstrate their knowledge of British civic life, including an understanding of other faiths.
Mr Blunkett said: "We have consulted and listened to faith groups and are encouraged that many faith representatives recognise the need for ministers to speak for the communities they represent and, in particular, to communicate effectively with the younger generation.
"That is why it is essential that ministers coming from overseas can speak English when they arrive in the UK so they can speak to and for their congregations."
Do you agree with the government proposals? Have your say.
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steve, warrington (22/07/2004 at 15:27)
Anti war, usa (23/07/2004 at 10:52)
No Preaching without the Ministers permission.
AS, Toronto (23/07/2004 at 15:09)
correctly, and innocent muslims are seen as fanatics in the eyes of non-muslims.
PW, Manchester (23/07/2004 at 15:30)
Boris, New york, USA (23/07/2004 at 16:54)
I think, it would make sense to ask I mams pass exams on constitution and civil laws of the country they preachin and, further ask them to sign commitment that they will never preach actions, contradticing constitution and laws of country where they preach. No religion should be above laws, no matter what their holy books or prophets may say.
Shams Khan, New Jersey, USA (23/07/2004 at 17:23)
A learned Imam in overseas does not need knowledge of english to master the religion.
Muslims of UK will be deprived of listening to the learned Imam if he must speak english.
nigel, bristol (23/07/2004 at 19:18)
Doug, Portage, Indiana (24/07/2004 at 01:55)
In any case, preachers of any religion do not preach to a "diverse and cohesive" society. They preach to a homogenous and perhaps cohesive group of believers. These groups, their beliefs, and practices are of course none of the Secretary's business. He should pull his head out of their affairs and stick it back up where he found this idea.
Uwe, Aachen (24/07/2004 at 02:56)