DIK 2006 – 2009 (Phase I) ,
Source: Katy Otto
By launching the DIK in September 2006, the Federal Minister of the Interior of the time, Wolfgang Schäuble, laid the foundations for a long-term and comprehensive dialogue between all levels of government and Muslims and their representatives in Germany.
In Phase I, the Conference was subdivided into three working groups, a round table and a plenary which comprised 30 individuals half of whom were federal, state and local government representatives while the other half were representatives of the Muslim community. The primary task of the plenary was to discuss the recommendations prepared by the working groups and the round table.
Working Group 1 dealt primarily with the German social system and value consensus. It discussed among other things the political participation of Muslims as well as matters related to education and the teaching of values in the family. One of the central measures taken by this working group was the commissioning of the research project on Muslim life in Germany which compiled for the first time comprehensive and representative information on the Muslim community living in Germany.
Working Group 2 dealt with religious questions in German constitutional law and practical aspects related to the daily lives of Muslims. The working group members developed among other things joint conclusions and recommendations regarding the introduction of Islamic religious instruction, the training and advanced training of imams and the building of mosques.
Working Group 3 dealt with the question as to how businesses and the media can foster the integration of Muslims and help to improve the way Muslims and non-Muslims live together. On this basis, it initiated among other things projects promoting integration which involved businesses and the media. The working group also produced recommendations for media coverage which overcomes stereotypes and reduces prejudices.
At the same time, the round table dealt with the topic of security and Islamism. The aim was to develop strategies for better cooperation between Muslims, their representations and the security authorities in Germany. In this context, existing forms of cooperation between the police and mosque associations were taken into consideration. The round table recommended establishing a coordinating body at federal level in order to gain an overview of existing projects and broker contacts for cooperation. Such a clearing house was subsequently established at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge, BAMF).