News January 2006

L to R: Pr. Lozano, Dr. Gallagher, Dr. Miranda, Pr. Rojas

Ecuador: New Religious Liberty Association Proposed

Quito, Ecuador... Religious leaders meeting in the capital of Ecuador are proposing the formation of a new religious liberty association, the first for the country.

"This is a vital necessity," comments Pastor Leonel Lozano, the president of the Adventist church in Ecuador. "While religious freedom is guaranteed in the constitution, there are still many inequalities in the way religious groups are treated. We need a well-organized association that will take up the cause of religious freedom for all members of society."

Participating in the January 27 initial consultations was Dr Jonathan Gallagher, deputy secretary general of the International Religious Liberty Association. He agrees with the assessment, adding that "we can bring to the country the expertise developed in the international community. We are here to help the development of a better atmosphere towards religious freedom and human rights."

In the fist stages of the the new association, the planning group will be led by Dr. Winsther Miranda, a lawyer and legal advisor to the Adventist Church in Ecuador.

Moscow, Russia : Religious Freedom Conference

Moscow Meeting with Dr. Andrei SEBENTSHOV, Deputy Chairman of the Committee of Communication with Religious Organizations of the Government of the Russian Federation

The IRLA-EURO Asia conference of experts met December 21at the Institute of Europe, Moscow. The chosen theme was "Freedom of religion, Morality and Responsibility in Russian
Society." Speakers included 28 Head of churches, religious leaders, university professors, government and NGOs representatives. All major religions were represented among the 80 participants.

Catholic Archbishop of Moscow, Archbishop Kondrusevich

Dr John Graz present his lecture