(CNS) With effect from January, the French government will deal with Muslims through a new, government-created body, with the aim of promoting Islam not related to foreign governments or radical Islamists.
The new entity, the National Council of Imams (CNI), will replace the French Council for Muslim Worship (CFCM), a body which the government has since 2003 been the regulator of activities for followers of France’s second-largest religion.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin reaffirmed in mid-December that the government would no longer work with CFCM leaders.
“The Council is no longer a legitimate interlocutor with whom the government wants to work,” he said.
His ministry in a statement announced a restructuring of representation and dialogue between the state and Muslims.
