Women Join Clergy in Morocco

How do you go about creating a more moderate and peaceful religion? You train women as clergy:

Fifty women have graduated as Muslim preachers, part of a concerted effort by authorities in Morocco to promote moderate Islam in a country grappling with extremism.

Another 150 men graduated Wednesday as imams, or prayer leaders. The 50 female religious guides, or morchidat, won't lead prayers in mosques, which is reserved for men, but will be sent around the country to teach women -- and, occasionally, men -- about Islam.

While Moroccan officials said the appointment of female state preachers was a rare experiment in the Muslim world, others said it was unprecedented in Morocco and the majority of other Arab countries.

This is part of a concerted effort by the king of Morocco, who is a descendent of Muhammad, to crack down on Islamic fundametalism:

Friday prayer sermons now must be approved by authorities. Underground mosques are believed to continue to exist, although to a much lesser degree than before the blasts.

The king's initiatives include the creation a year ago of the Mohammed VI Quran radio station that broadcasts religious programs, and the Assadisa Islamic satellite TV station.

The Council of Religious Scholars, established by the king two years ago, has been issuing religious edicts on the most pressing questions of the 21st century -- and, surprisingly, they've been well-received by both young people and hardened Islamists.

I can't imagine submitting my messages for government approval. But I like the effort to get women involved, especially when they say things like this:

Fatima Titi, 24, said she was very excited to become a religious guide."I am looking forward to portraying a good image of Islam, one that's forgiving and promotes peace," she said.

I know some elements in the Christian church that could benefit from an influx of women clergy.