A British law went into effect Tuesday that allows courts to prevent someone from being forced into marriage — a move that comes as governments across Europe confront immigrant practices that sometimes clash with more liberal values.
"Born in 1952 to a Methodist father and a mother of Muslim heritage in Maryland, Ms Wadud, who has written books on the Koran and memorised most of it, first delivered a Friday sermon in Cape Town, South Africa, in August 1994."
"Hundreds of children fearing for their lives have called a new national helpline set up to assist victims of forced marriages since its launch four months ago, The Independent has learnt."
The Muslim Institute, Britain’s foremost Muslim think-tank, is to launch a new standard marriage contract (nikah) for British Muslims wishing to marry under Muslim law. To download the marriage contract please see attachment.
"In the rush to be tolerant or sensitive to religious difference, the space is created for the most reactionary and even fundamentalist religious leaders to take control."
The Church of England's decision to remove the legal blocks stopping women being ordained as bishops is a move welcomed by many, but critics argue this could threaten the future existence of the Anglican Church.
