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Skriven 2006-10-30 21:58:56 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service - Press Release
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                               VIS-Press releases

NOT JUST TOLERANCE BUT AUTHENTIC RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

VATICAN CITY, OCT 28, 2006 (VIS) - Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent
observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York, participated
yesterday in the 61st session of the U.N. General Assembly, which is currently
considering the question of the promotion and protection of human rights.

In his English-language talk, Archbishop Migliore concentrated on three themes
which, he said, "merit particular attention, namely, the coexistence of
different religions and religious communities, the propagation of religion,
including the sensitive issue of proselytism and the relationship between
freedom of expression and religion." He also expressed his concern that, "as we
celebrate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the 1981 Declaration on the
Elimination of all Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion
or Belief, ... freedom of religion or belief does not exist for individuals and
communities, especially among religious minorities, in many parts of the
world."

He continued: "The high level of religious intolerance in some countries is
leading to an alarming degree of polarization and discrimination. ... While
religious tolerance is sometimes characterized as accepting or permitting those
religious beliefs and practices which disagree with one's own, the time has
come to move beyond this type of religious tolerance, and to apply instead the
principles of authentic religious freedom.

"Religious freedom," he added, "is the right to believe, worship, propose and
witness to one's faith. It grants the opportunity and creates the occasions for
people to profess freely the tenets of their faith. Furthermore, it includes
the right to change one's religion and to associate freely with others in order
to express one's religious convictions. ... We know well that, historically,
tolerance has been a contentious issue among believers of different faiths.
However, we have come to a turning point in history which demands more of us,
including a commitment to inter-religious dialogue."

In this context, the archbishop emphasized "the indispensable importance of
reciprocity, which, by its very nature, is apt to ensure the free exercise of
religion in all societies. The Holy See continues to be concerned by a number
of situations where the existence of enacted or proposed legislative and
administrative measures for placing limits on the practice, observance or
propagation of religion are a reality. Likewise, the Holy See is concerned with
those situations where religion or freedom of religion is used as a pretext or
a justification for violating other human rights."

"There appears to exist a recurring case of intolerance when group interests or
power struggles seek to prevent religious communities from enlightening
consciences and thus enabling them to act freely and responsibly, according to
the true demands of justice. Likewise, it would be intolerant to denigrate
religious communities and exclude them from public debate ... just because they
do not agree with options nor conform to practices that are contrary to human
dignity."

In our world, the prelate concluded, "religion is more than an internal matter
of thought and conscience. It has the potential to bind us together as equal
and valuable members of the human family. ... Nor should we underestimate its
power, especially in the midst of conflict and division, ... to enable enemies
to speak to one another, to foster those who were estranged to join hands in
friendship, and have nations seek the way to peace together."
DELSS/RELIGIOUS FREEDOM/MIGLIORE VIS 061030 (560)

SUMMARY

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