Many Christian politicians rushed in defense of the Muslim minority criticizing the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) on its divisive initiative by declaring Islam incompatible with the constitution.
Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative Christian Democrats led criticism of the party describing AfD's manifesto as an attack on almost all religions when it identifies Islam as a foreign body in Germany.
Greens parliamentary party leader Katrin Goering-Eckardt, on the other hand, said the manifesto is a "reactionary" adding AfD is trying to divide the German society with Islamophobia.
Muslims make up 5 percent of the total population of Germany. Their community leaders have appealed to politicians to ensure that the apparent discrimination won't prevail and that Islam not be defined as a "foe."
AfD leader Alexander Gauland explained his group is against minarets, and not places of worship so the Muslims could still practise their faith in Germany.
His words differ from that of his fellow AfD lawmaker Hans-Thomas Tillschneider, who said Islam cannot invoke the principle of religious freed to the same level of Christianity.
Aiman Mazyek, head of Germany's Central Council of Muslims said, on the other hand, that the AfD manifesto is an Islamophobic program that offers no help except divisiveness.
The manifesto entitled "Islam is not part of Germany" earned a support of at least 14 percent in the opinion polls giving a clear signal to the ruling Conservative Party of Chancellor Angela Merkel that AfD is a strong contender in the upcoming 2017 federal elections.
