The mosque must evolve – The Globe and Mail

Good piece by Sheema Khan on the challenges within mosques:

The BCMA [B.C. Muslim Association] is but one of many organizations across Canada that operate on cultural practices imported from abroad, escaping accountability. Many receive charitable status and government grants while their governance structures exclude women. This must change. Government agencies should be more circumspect when handing out grants and charitable tax status. More importantly, Muslims must push for change from within.

The emerging “unmosqued” movement in the United States seems to have captured the frustration of second- and third-generation Muslims with the way their mosques are run. The movement seeks to engender honest debate, discussion and reform of the Muslim community’s most important institution. Issues include transparency of governance, full participation of women and youths and the hiring of imams who understand the North American context. This is a natural step in the evolution of a vibrant, diverse community.

The mosque must evolve – The Globe and Mail.