A precious good for all

"For the Catholic Church religious freedom is a pillar of the democratic State, the fundamental norm of the Rule of the Law. Rooted in the dignity of each and every man and woman, it has a fundamental value. Furthermore, it is the "synthesis and the highest point" of all other fundamental rights of the human person", said Father Laurent Mazas, member of the Pontifical Council of Culture, executive director of the Court of Gentiles, speaking at the meeting promoted by the Council of Europe, held September 2-3 in Yerevan, Armenia, to discuss the theme "Freedom of religion in today’s world: challenges and guarantees", promoted in the framework of the Armenian six-month presidency of the Committee of Ministers. The meeting was opened by the Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, together with His Holiness Karekin II, supreme patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians. Among participants figured many representatives of Christian Churches and religious confessions. The Holy See delegation was led by Fr Mazas, Msgr. Aldo Giordano, permanent observer of the Holy See at the Council of Europe and Monsignor Duarte da Cunha, general secretary of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE). True laicity. "From the greetings of several religious representatives present at the meeting – Msgr. Duarte da Cunha told SIR Europe – it emerged in different ways that those truly living their faith are not closed to others but are aware that they have a responsibility in life that commits them to engage in dialogue without hiding their own faith. The simultaneous presence of believers from different faiths usually prompts an interesting dialogue and debate, and even in spite of differences of views, it furthers understanding and acknowledgement of the other person’s contribution". "It would be sad to assume that given the plurality of religions there cannot be a single truth, or conversely, that truth is but a synthesis, an addition of all thoughts, or worse still, that truth belongs to the strongest. Instead, truth is self-imposed, for its very convincing force". For this reason, continues Msgr. Da Cunha, "the idea of a secular State emerged during the meetings holds special significance, i.e. a secular State is not against religion. However, on the basis of its own traditions, it may organize its relations with churches and religions in different ways. What is really important is to ensure that each of them is fully acknowledged". Minority and majority. The meeting was articulated in three panel sessions. The first addressed the theme of religious freedom in the public sphere, understood as the freedom to profess one’s faith and take part in public debate with one’s own identity. The Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg updated participants on a series of cases that constitute jurisprudence, highlighting the extent to which the Court is petitioned on issues regarding freedom of conscience and freedom of religious communities. Another panel session focused on the relationship between majority and minority groups. The opening speech was delivered by Elisabeta Kitanovic, CEC representative (Conference of European Churches) who showed that human rights are rooted within human dignity and therefore do not depend on whether an individual belongs to a majority or minority group. Finally, the role of education, called to provide individuals with a clear identity, critical to engaging in dialogue, and to be open-minded, i.e. not only to ‘tolerate’ others but to respect them too. Reconciled diversity. Also the European chapter of Religions for Peace (ECRL) took part in the meeting. In his address, Bishop Karloo Kalliala referred to the Moscow Declaration, urging all players in civil society to work for "reconciled unity at a time of diversity". In particular, the bishop referred to the role of the media that often foster the conflict through "stereotyping and prejudice". ECRL general secretary Stein Villumstad underlined the importance of the role of the State to ensure the "impartial treatment of the various actors in the public realm" and called upon "religious communities and their leaders" to be actively present in societies and engage in dialogue with others.