Body of scholars of various religions - Role of Government in religious matters:

Probably following the footsteps of France, which had set up over five years back the Council for the Muslim Religion, recently Britain has decided to fund a board of Islamic theologians who will pronounce on some of the knottiest, most controversial issues of faith, such as, women’s rights, etc.,

As could be expected a large majority of British people, including rational Muslims, have welcomed the move, whereas many Muslim organizations, particularly those which are a shade or more militant, have condemned the proposal. Radical Muslims have alleged that this is a ploy and sham to ensure state sponsored Islam.

Incidentally, some time back a few of Germany’s Muslim organizations got together to establish a co-ordination Council of Muslims in order to define the terms of negotiation for the process of developing consensus in society over the integration of Islam in that country.

Be that as it may. But why not Government of India form Councils for each of the religions in India, comprising of those from different faiths who are not radical, to discuss and debate on the desirable and least resistant changes that each religion need to undertake, keeping in view factors, such as, changing attitudes and practices of members of various religions, economic progress and attendant reflection of the same on the faiths, how religious strife could be lessened, if not avoided, the perspective of various religions to Uniform Civil Code, etc., Obviously, it would only be an advisory body. Government has to make it known that such bodies are not part of Government but only Government sponsored. The bodies set up could bring out detailed papers on various subjects relating to each religion, with pros and cons and perspectives of the members of the body and the same could be widely publicized. That would start thinking and discussing arena among members of various faiths.

Ultimately nothing may happen. On the other hand, it is possible that first tentative steps in easing communal tensions could be taken. In any case such discussion papers would give many religionists the views of other religionists.

If the effort does not produce any concrete results, so be it. The government can any time wind up the bodies. But such a step would definitely make each religionist to have better awareness about other religions and the ‘whys ‘ for their various religious activities. That itself would be a positive step.

The second step to be taken is for the Central and State Governments to distance the Government from various religions, except to the extent of law and order is concerned. By far the Central Government has been following this dictum except two follies committed, i.e., one long back of giving subsidy to Muslims for Haj Pilgrimage and the second one recently of allotting land for Amarnath pilgrimage. The second folly was corrected but by the time this was done Government had alienated both the religionists. But many State Governments are still getting involved in religious matters. In some States there are Ministers in charge of Devaswm Boards. Let the State allow unfettered freedom to the followers of each religion to manage the religious places, except to the caveat mentioned earlier.