“All religious communities must have the right to practice their faith” and “ every attempt by the State to interfere in the internal affairs of the religious communities represents a violation of human rights“. So declare the participants in the consultation promoted by the “Church and Society” Commission of the KEK (Conference of the European Churches) on religious minorities and majorities in Europe, held in Vienna from 6 to 11 November. The meeting was attended by over 70 delegates from 30 countries and from all the Christian confessions. The consultation examined the situation of the Churches majority and minority alike in Europe, in particular in Austria, Russia, France and the Nordic countries, and recalled “the importance of the existing accords on human rights as the basis for the regulation of relations between Church and State”. At the centre of the discussions was also the question of the juridical recognition of religious communities. “In principle says a communiqué issued by KEK all religious communities must be guaranteed a legal status that permits them to practice their faith”. Every form of discrimination, including that mounted against the “new religious movements”, must be firmly condemned. The delegates insisted on the need for “transparent procedures”. “The basic principle declares KEK must be the recognition of the right of each religious community to offer its own witness and service to society”. The consultation also urged the Churches to “act together” and more especially to present themselves with a “unanimous voice” in relations with government authorities. “The promotion of dialogue says the communiqué is one of the necessary prerogatives for relations between the Churches. It favours equality between the Churches, prevents discrimination, promotes tolerance and facilitates a common action towards the State”.
