Endorses application for "Allahu Akbar" refrain to be broadcast via loudspeakers in Swedish suburb

A Swedish Bishop has responded to an application to have the Muslim call to prayer broadcast in the immigrant suburb of Araby, Växjö by welcoming the move as a positive sign of multiculturalism.

"Muslims are not visitors in Växjö, we live here," said Imam Ismail Abu Helal, asserting that, "The Islamic community should be proud of their culture, and not feel like they have to hide."

Fredrik Modéus, the Bishop of Växjö, endorsed the proposal.

"It is natural in a multicultural and multi-religious society that different traditions and religions are heard, are visible and are interacting for a good society," said Modéus in a statement, adding, "I therefore welcome the application for call to prayer."

The Bishop said the call to prayer was no different to church bells and should be embraced.

The application is likely to be granted because others have already been approved in Stockholm. This means that the call to prayer, known as the adzhan, which is broadcast five times a day in Islamic countries via loudspeakers and usually begins with the refrain "Allahu Akbar," will soon ring out across Swedish towns and cities.

Respondents to the Bishop's statement were not so positive.

"Maybe the next step will be that the Church of Sweden adapts to Sharia law as well?" asked one.

"Feels good to have left the church in 1982, so that I did not not have to support these fools financially," added another.