Resolutions

of the Sixth World Congress

of the

International Religious Liberty Association

on

“Combating religious hatred through freedom to believe”

Cape Town, South Africa, February 27 – March 1, 2007

The International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) in its Sixth World Congress held in Cape Town, Republic of South Africa, expresses thanks and appreciation for the hospitality shown by its people and commends the policy and practice of religious freedom in South Africa. This stands as an example to the world of the mutual respect and harmony that can exist between those of different faiths and beliefs.

The Congress further recognizes the liberation experience of the country in its recent past, and commends religious leaders for supporting fundamental human rights. It regrets that the previous divisions in society were frequently justified by appeal to religious beliefs. The concept of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission is an example of a methodology that can also be applied to religious intolerance and tension, and can be adapted to the combating of religious hatred.

Representatives of the international community meeting at the IRLA World Congress deplore the continued increase in religion-inspired violence and terrorism in many parts of the world, and the Congress theme “Combating Religious Hatred Through Freedom to Believe” reflects the urgent need to deal with such an appalling situation.

Only through genuine relationships between those of different religions or belief, through open dialogue, can there be a true advance in religious freedom and mutual respect. The Congress also affirms the conviction that religion should be a positive contribution to society, and must not be hijacked for any other objective, whether for political, national, or personal reasons.

At the same time the Congress, in harmony with the stated principles of the IRLA, believes that religious freedom is best advanced when religion and state remain separate in their own respective spheres, and that the state should be neutral to any specific religion, and not hostile to religion generally, recognizing the positive contributions religion can and does make in society. The IRLA appreciates the developing trend of cooperation for religious freedom between civil society, governments, and international organizations such as the United Nations, and believes that as the Millennium Development Goals are pursued then society as a whole is bettered and mutual respect between different faiths can be enhanced.

The World Congress is also concerned over the less obvious forms of discrimination and intolerance that are manifested in some countries under the justification of secularism. Issues such as the banning of religious symbols in the public sphere, the denial of the right to observe specific days of worship, and refusal of conscientious objector status, raise questions about commitment to freedom of religion or belief.

Consequently, this 6^th IRLA World Congress resolves:

1. Religious hatred is to be combated by all faith communions. Dialogue in truth and mutual respect should characterize inter-faith relationships. The appeal to religious conviction to justify acts of violence or terrorism is completely unacceptable, and should be specifically condemned by all.

2. Regrettably religious leaders and faith communities are frequently responsible for intolerance and violations of the religious freedom of others. The Congress calls on all faith communities and their leaders to both teach and practice religious freedom within their own communities and in their interactions with others, particularly where they hold majority or influential positions in society.

3. The need for safety and security should not overrule all other rights, particularly the rights to religious freedom, belief, and practice.

4. No person should knowingly misrepresent or ridicule the beliefs of others. All discussions on matters of belief should be done in an open attitude of respect and honest critique. However freedom of speech is necessary for freedom of faith to exist and must be protected, even for those expressions that some find offensive.

5. Education at all levels should promote a culture of tolerance and mutual understanding. It should warn about the harm of prejudice, inculcate respect for others, and teach the dignity of all human beings as a means to secure a peaceful future.

6. Those involved in the dissemination of faith should be particularly encouraged to be sensitive to their context and situation. In areas of disagreement, a spirit of genuine dialogue and respectful debate should be cultivated. Freedom to openly discuss religious viewpoints is essential.

7. The media plays a major role in both determining and reflecting attitudes to various groups in society, whether religious or not. Journalists, editors, and producers should take care not to stereotype any section of society, particularly through the spread of unsubstantiated reports or defamatory accusations, considering the inflammatory results that are often impossible to contain.

8. Religious registration requirements imposed by some countries are deplored in that they single out religious organizations and can be used to restrict or prevent the free exercise of religious rights.

9. The international standards of religious freedom are re-emphasized, particularly those promulgated in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The right of an individual to hold or change his or her religion or belief in accordance with the dictates of conscience and personal conviction is re-affirmed. Those states which violate this right through the imposition of penalties, including in some cases imprisonment, torture or even death, must be brought to account.

10. The formation of more IRLA country and regional affiliate organizations is strongly urged as a means to protect, promote, and defend the principle and practice of religious freedom for all people everywhere.