Conference in Berlin: Religious freedom in the West is at risk

World religions. Photo: Focus

The conference "FoRB and Tolerance for Tradition: The Challenge for the Pluralistic West" took place in Berlin, where experts on religious freedom discussed the challenges faced by adherents of traditional teachings on family, gender, and human nature in Europe and North America. The event featured participants from Asia, America, and Europe, according to The European Conservative.

Anja Hoffmann, Executive Director of the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe, noted that expressing traditional religious beliefs can lead to career setbacks, legal repercussions, or self-censorship. She highlighted that "the peaceful expression of personal religious beliefs has become the potential end of a political career or employment, or even the beginning of a court case."

Dr. José Luis Bazán, a Legal Adviser for the Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), spoke about the difficulties Christians face under conditions of "polite persecution." He cited Pope Francis’ warning against social and legal pressures that undermine Christians’ ability to live in accordance with their religious principles.

Dr. Katharina von Schnurbein, Coordinator of the European Commission on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life, addressed "the need for reconciliation between religious freedom and other societal values," noting that these values are not mutually exclusive.

In response to the concerns raised by the participants, a new declaration in support of religious freedom will be presented, announced by Todd Huizinga from the Institute of Religious Freedom. He stated that this declaration "could have a real effect not only in safeguarding religious freedom for all, but also in increasing mutual understanding, tolerance, and peace in our pluralistic societies."

Mark Aurel Erszegi, Hungary’s Special Advisor for Religion and Diplomacy also emphasised the need to maintain a “cultural equilibrium.” Érszegi said safeguarding regional traditions can protect against “ideological colonisation” that erodes cultural differences.

As previously reported, the United States had earlier published a list of countries where violations of religious freedom were spotted.

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