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1. The Burqua is not required by Islam, but by some inferior types of men who are afraid of others seeing their wife's faces and figure. Why cater to this ultimate form of chauvinism? It is not a question of respecting another faith at all, but one of common sense, not to mention national security and safety. The good Bishop needs something better to do with his time!

   Posted By: Stanley J. Harris

2. Every country has its own culture and customs. The Catholic Church is not governed through the principles of democracy neither is Islam. Their practices and beliefs will always differ from the decisions of a democratic elected government. Islam and politics are intertwined and that is a real danger to democracy as expressed in the culture of countries where the enforcement of the Barque is Law. Stanley J. Harris’s comment has meaning.

   Posted By: edward J

3. Bishop Santier is absolutely correct on mutual respect and the proposed ban is nothing more than French hypocrisy masquerading as some sort of high-minded ideal.

   Posted By: Nathan Socci

4. Chauvinism is the western perspective. Many Islamic women do in fact want to wear full veils (for a variety of reasons).
   Regardless, rebellion is a part of human nature. And that is exactly what France could expect if this proposal was adopted. I would, if I felt strongly that my rights were vetoed! This is an aggressive proposal and very few people respond kindly to force.
   The Bishop is right. To maintain integrity, it is imperative that a call for true religious freedom is consistent. Hope lies in this path.

   Posted By: Trish

5. Recently in the supermarket I encountered four women wearing the burqua. Four pairs of eyes followed me as I reached for the Weetbix (an imported luxury here in Indonesia). As I noticed they were intent on looking at me - a Westerner is a rare sight in this part of Indonesia - I smiled and offered the traditional Indonesian greeting, Assalamu alaikum, (Peace be with you). Four pairs of eyes shot glances between each other, then from behind one veil, as if through gritted teeth, I head the quietest of responses, Waaillaikum Salam. (And also with you)
   It didn't sound either enthusiastic or friendly. The next day I asked a friend who wears the gilbub - the coif-like veil some Muslim women wear which does not cover the face - had I committed some religious or social faux-pas in speaking to these women. Her reply was instructive. (To be continued.)
   

   Posted By: Phillip Turnbull

6. My Muslim friend explained: If a Muslim is wearing the burqa in public it means she can only be spoken to by her husband (or nearest male relative) or children in public and she will reply only to these.
   She probably responded to you because you had offered them the words of peace and it would be impolite to refuse a reply, even though she didn't want to give you one. But in future it is best if you do not speak to anyone wearing the burqa. They certainly don't want to speak to you. Besides, they won't even speak to us! And we are fellow Muslims! Those people consider themselves the true Muslims and we are considered low in their eyes.'
   Clearly, even for Muslims the burqa is a sign of unwillingness to participate fully in the society in which it is worn. It is a visible sign and indeed more than a sign of aloofness and avoidance of maintaining equality, acceptance and participation in society. Is this desirable in Western democracies?

   Posted By: Phillip Turnbull

7. My neice was raised a Catholic and entered into the Islamic faith in her teens. She adopted an Islamic name, her marriage was arranged by the Muslim community, and when outside of the family, she wears a burqa. She freely and happily entered into these arrangements. Together with a caring and supportive husband, she has successfully reared and home-schooled her 5 children.
   The Muslim community to which she belongs is very caring and supportive on a day to day basis. It is particularly so in times of need such as family illness, berevement etc. From what I have observed I believe the Muslim community would put most Christian communities, including Catholic communities, to shame in the way they care for one another, the supposed bench mark of a Christian.
   I think it more likely that criticism of the wearing of the burqa arises from the fear of a belief system that is not widely understood and originates from a culture different from that of Western or European based societies. Most Muslim people can be identified by their dress, prayer rituals etc. This leads Muslims to be an easy target for criticism and abuse.
   Why is it that throughout history the Muslim peoples, and peoples of the Middle and Near East generally, experience difficulty living within Western or European-based Christian societies?

   Posted By: D. O.

8. The Catholic Church is spot on: If we want Christian minorities in Muslim majority countries to enjoy all their rights, we should in our country respect the rights of all believers to practice their faith.
   Unfortunately, the persecution of Christians in Muslim countries testifies to the fact that Islam does not hold the same view.
   Will those who wear the full veil speak out against the Qu'ran or those using it to persecute Christians?
   Phillip Turnbull's post is very instructive and remembers the behaviour of so many 'moderate' muslims during the Iranian revolution.
   What happened to 'when in Rome do as the Romans?' I find a hidden face rude; worse than trying to communicate with people wearing sunglasses or taking mobile calls and it should not be tolerated here on that basis alone. That is a different principle to respecting each others faith which I believe can still be accomodated without insult.
   There will be times when the faiths are poles apart and irreconcilable. If the parties cannot compromise, then when in Rome do as the Romans or go somewhere where you can express your faith without causing genuine insult etc.

   Posted By: Chris Saidou

9. It is not a question of the burqua per se. The problem is much deeper and the Bishop is not facing the real facts.It is actually the unwillingness to inculturate into the French way of life. A similar case existed recently with minarets in Switzerland where minarets are now banned by the people's vote! The same issue - it was not minarets, but the refusal of Muslims to accept local customs and engage in dialogue. Similar situations exist in other European countries. The answer comes from communicating with each other!

   Posted By: Peter M

10. If what the bishops are reported as saying is correct - they have warned against government plans to ban full [face] veils on Muslim women - then I can't agree with the bishops. I have no problem with Muslim women wearing their body concealing clothing or head covering but the total face veiling or veils which show just the eyes in non-Muslim countries is inappropriate.
    If a non-Muslim went to the country these women or their parents came from the non Muslim would have to conform to Muslim expectations of suitable clothing. Mutual respect between faiths should be a two way expectation. How about we start respecting Muslim rights in non-Muslim countries when they respect non-Muslim rights in Muslim countries. It seems to me that the non Muslim countries are the ones expected to make all the concessions.

    Posted By: Sharon

11. It is universal among the human race that the primary means we have of identifying each other is to look upon each others' faces.
    If I insist on hiding or disguising my face in public (whether for religious reasons, for a street theatre, because I am going to a masked ball or fancy dress party or any other reason) I cannot object if police or other authorities stop me and demand that I reveal my face so that they can confirm I am not a crime suspect or am about to commit a concealed crime etc, which they can tell about everybody else just by simply glancing at their faces as they walk past.

    Posted By: Ronk

12. Phillip Turnbull: Your assessment of the motives of the burqa wearing supermarket shoppers is indeed accurate. However, I would suggest that not to return the wa aleiakhoum as-salem in the case of a greeting by a non-Muslim is well grounded in Islamic practice. There are several traditions justifying such behaviour. Indeed, strict Muslims would argue that infidels do not deserve the blessing of peace. On more than one occasion my as-salem aleiakhoum has been returned with Good morning or whatever time of day it has happened to be!
    The hijab is one thing, but wearing the burqa and the niqab (and their variations) are another matter. Even in some Muslim countries full face covers are opposed for security reasons.
    I would suggest that for public order and safety reasons, full face covers pose a problem; security at airports, on planes, on public transport, in banks and public buildings, on drivers' licences, etc.

    Posted By: Marco Elliott

13. The Catholic Church is hardly a harbinger of women's equality. And I'm all for giving unto Caesar what is Caesars and unto Rome what is Romes. However, in civilized society we don't let people wear masks. Even clowns have to take off their rubber noses when in a hospital or airport.

    Posted By: Madeline Knapp

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