Reports and Statements

International Religious Liberty Association

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ACCRA STATEMENT

ISSUED BY
THE SECOND ALL-AFRICA CONGRESS OF THE
INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ASSOCIATION
THEME: "RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: CO-EXISTENCE IN PEACE AND FREEDOM IN DIVERSITY"

ACCRA, GHANA, APRIL 27, 2006

Participants of the second All-Africa Congress of the International Religious Liberty Association issue this Accra Statement as the final act of the Congress.

1. Recognizing with concern the rise in violence and conflict that frequently has a religious aspect, the Congress calls on all peoples, governments, and international organizations in Africa and beyond to refuse to allow religious difference to be used as a motive or weapon of conflict, and to seek peace and justice through dialogue. Inter-religious strife, hatred, and religious intolerance are to be avoided and replaced by increased understanding and mutual respect. No one should make false statements regarding any aspect of the others' religion, nor ridicule their beliefs, practices or origins.

2. Considering that religious leaders and faith communities, both in Africa and in other parts of the world, may themselves be responsible for intolerance and violations of the religious freedom of others, the Congress calls on all faith communities and their leaders to commit themselves explicitly to the principle of religious freedom, and to work to inculcate this value both within their own communities and in interactions with others, particularly where they hold majority or influential positions in society.

3. Believing that religious freedom plays an essential role in achieving social harmony, the Congress recommends that religion be taught with an emphasis (shown inherently in all religious traditions) on mutual respect for all human beings in a pluralistic world. Education in Africa and internationally should promote a culture of peace and mutual understanding, recognizing that intolerance and prejudice only perpetuate the cycle of violence. Teaching and practicing human rights demonstrates the inviolable dignity of all human beings and provides the means to a secure and peaceful future.

4. Gravely aware of the actions of some authorities, even within Africa, which violate human rights, the Congress recognizes and upholds 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, free of any enticement, and condemns those states, organizations, or individuals who violate this right through the imposition of penalties, including in some cases imprisonment, torture or even death.

5. Being aware of the sensitivity of evangelistic activity by faith communities in Africa and in many other areas of the world, the Congress pleads for all such actions to take place in an honest spirit of dialogue and respect, avoiding controversy and offence.

6. Disturbed that although elaborate religious freedom provisions exist in national constitutions, in Africa and elsewhere, the Congress is acutely aware that such provisions are not always enforced. Consequently the Congress recommends that in addition to the provisions a constitutional culture be promoted to make such religious freedoms a practical reality. Additionally the Congress noted with concern that individuals belonging to minority groups are frequently disadvantaged when exercising their religious freedoms, contrary to international norms, The Congress therefore urges governments, employers, and educational institutions to make every effort to accommodate such individuals so that they may practice their religious beliefs and observe days of rest without hindrance.

7. Concerned for the impact of unwise reporting, the Congress calls on the mass media in Africa and abroad to provide balanced information regarding religion, especially regarding sensitive areas such as religious feelings and cultural identity, and to avoid reinforcing prejudicial stereotypes and distorting the image of others.

Finally, the Congress expresses its gratitude for the hospitality it has received in Accra, as exemplified by the interest shown by the president of the country (further demonstrated in his gracious invitation to IRLA leaders to make a courtesy visit), government ministers, leading authorities, and the media, and takes this occasion to praise the high standard of religious freedom which prevails in Ghana.

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