An appeal to the United Nations

The plenary Assembly of the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE) together with the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, have adopted a joint statement that will be submitted to UN leadership. Voicing their concern over the ongoing increase in acts of violence, persecution of Christians and other religious groups in various parts of the world, the signatories of the statement urge the UN to uphold a social and political commitment in defence of these populations and in support of religious freedom, in particular with the adoption of a Resolution for the protection of religious minorities. The same declaration was jointly signed by CCEE and Appeal of Conscience Foundation, and was sent to the leadership of various nations, calling for measures and actions in defence of religious minorities, places of worship and holy texts. Founded by rabbi Arthur Schneier in 1965, the Appeal of Conscience Foundation is an inter-religious partnership with members of all faiths that come together for the promotion of “peace, tolerance and the resolution of ethnic conflicts”. Follows the full text of the appeal to the United Nations.”The Appeal of Conscience Foundation and the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), concerned about the persistent violence, persecutions of Christian minorities and other religious groups, calls upon the United Nations to adopt a Resolution for the Protection of Religious Minorities. We condemn all acts or threats of violence, destruction, damage or endangerment, directed against religious minorities, including the destruction of places of worship and sacred religious texts of any kind. We call upon all states to prevent acts or threats of violence, and invite relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to contribute to those efforts by developing appropriate initiatives to advance mutual respect and recognition of religious minorities. The Council of European Bishops’ Conferences and the Appeal of Conscience Foundation encourage all states, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and the media to promote through education a culture of mutual respect and tolerance for the diversity of religions, which represent an important aspect of the collective heritage of mankind”.