Mother Teresa && Albania Muslims
“Muslims in Albania’s northern city of Shkoder are opposing plans to erect a statue to Mother Teresa, the ethnic Albanian Catholic nun in line for elevation to sainthood by the Vatican.
The dispute is unusual for Albania, where religion was banned for 27 years under the regime of dictator Enver Hoxha and where religious harmony and mixed marriages are the norm.*
Seventy percent of the population are liberal Muslims, the rest are Christian Orthodox and Catholic.
But Muslim groups in Shkoder rejected the local council plan for a Teresa statue, saying it “would offend the feelings of Muslims.” (full story @ Reuters.com)
Born in Macedonia to Albanian parents, Mother Teresa is claimed by both Macedonia and Albania. A square in Macedonia’s capital Skopje bears her name, while Albania has named its international airport, a hospital, a square and a state medal after her.
* I can fully testify to that, for obvious reasons. ;)
