| |
|
|
|||||||||||||
| |
|||||||||||||||
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
News World Congress 2007 WORLD CONGRESS DAY THREE
SA Deputy President Commends Congress Cape Town, South Africa… In a speech from South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, presented by Mrs. Bongiwe Kunene, the IRLA World Congress was commended for its theme and content. Mrs. Mlambo-Ngcuka asked the questions, "Is it possible to have freedom of belief in a world filled with illiteracy and ignorance, poverty and inequality? Is it possible for the peoples of the world to dream if their dreams have no expression in reality because their freedoms are muzzled?" Concluding the speech,
Mrs. Mlambo-Ngcuka stated, "I look forward to reading the conclusions
of these deliberations and I also look forward to receiving the message
you may have for the South Africa government after this Congress is over."
[IRLA News]
Mayor of Cape Town Calls for "More than Tolerance" Cape Town, South Africa… The Honorable Helen Zille, Mayor of Cape Town, visited the IRLA World Congress on March 1 and called for "more than tolerance. She said that the Congress was a "most valuable meeting involving so many faiths, and the International Religious Liberty Association is a great name." She thanked the IRLS for coming to Cape Town, and that the theme Combating Religious Hatred through Freedom to Believe was "timely and appropriate to our own country-how many centuries are summed up" in these theme. Zille said that this meant "not just tolerance. Tolerance has the idea that you bear it as a necessary part of life, rather than celebrate it as part of our religious diversity." In supporting the work of the Congress, she that she hoped "you will be able to inspire the connection between good government and religious liberty. Thanks for your promotion of religious liberty in South Africa and around the world." [IRLA News]
WORLD CONGRESS DAY TWO
Building a Wall Between Church and Hate Cape Town, South Africa… In a telling turn on a much-used phrase, former World Vision president Ambassador Robert Seiple today (February 28) urged IRLA World Congress participants to promote "the separation of church and hate." "This has been an extraordinary year for our issue of religious freedom," noted Seiple, former U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious liberty. "We've had a great deal of publicity." Seiple's review of
some of 2006's most notorious instances of religiously-inspired intolerance
and violence evoked nods of recognition among the crowd of 600 World Congress
participants. Interspersing his news review with sharp commentary, Seiple
described the Danish cartoon controversy ("a terrible abuse of freedom
of the press"); the Abdul Rahman death penalty sentence in Afghanistan
for converting from Islam to Christianity; conflicts between Shiite and
Sunni death squads ("exacting a brutal and terrible price from each
other"); the 34-day of war between Hezbollah and Israel in the summer
of 2006 ("a senseless war fought among the people of Abraham, the
people of the Book"); and Pope Benedict XVI's inclusion of an obscure
medieval text in a sermon that provoked a worldwide frenzy. This year has taught the world, Seiple warned, that "there are people who will die for their faith, but unfortunately there are just as many who will kill for their religion. We neglect this issue and the geo-political calculus at our considerable peril." Seiple, who now serves as president of the Council for America's Freedom, praised the World Congress for promoting respect among people in spite of great diversity, but also highlighted the need to promote greater knowledge of each other as well. "It is the lack of knowledge of one another that translates directly into a lack of respect," he urged. "If we don't care to know one another, how can we ever respect one another?" Congress participants were also challenged to go beyond mere toleration of differences. "Toleration is a wimpy word," Seiple asserted. "Toleration is forbearance; it's not equality. I don't have to like you; I only have to tolerate you." If people of faith are to combat religious hatred, the ambassador reminded, they must promote more than freedom to believe. Believers must promote "the ministry of presence" - doing the hard work of being there, "close enough to touch, to understand, and to embrace the people who maybe yesterday were your enemies." Robert Seiple is a longstanding member of the IRLA Board of Experts and also previously served as the president for the Institute for Global Engagement. [Kristina Malarek/IRLA News]
Charismatic South African Local Premier Speaks Out for Religious Freedom Rights Cape Town, South Africa… In a passionate address to the Religious Freedom World Congress on February 28, Premier of the Western Cape Ibrahim Rasool spoke strongly about his religious freedom convictions. What was billed as simply a welcome to the delegates at the International Religious Liberty Association's World Congress turned into a clearly-articulated statement of support for religious rights that went beyond standard conventions. In order to combat religious hatred, "the conversations we require are not simply between Muslims, Jews, Christians etc… the conversations we need are conversations of mindsets across all religions," Rasool declared. Touching on religious-inspired violence and terrorism, he spoke of the "troubled nature of the world that justifies itself on the basis of religion." The fact that the uncertainty caused by the modern world brings about even greater dogmatism should be clearly understood, Rasool suggested. "This is the birthplace of extremism. It labels because it cannot debate and argue. It fights because it has forgotten how to love. It isolates and condemns because it doesn't know how to unite and find common ground. And it has perfected the art of dying for a cause because it cannot live for the cause." Consequently, those who "believe that religion remains essential to the world and its values will be the saviour of the world, and that its behaviour will be critical to temper the excesses of globalisation, and give the common poor people something to hold onto in this world and the hereafter." Religious liberty, Rasool believes, "is more than the freedom to believe-it is also the freedom to let believe. Religious liberty is more than the freedom to evangelize-is also the responsibility to find the common ground even as we evangelize." In combating religious hatred, he observed, "then I believe that this conference would have done well in a world that is deeply troubled and where religious beliefs and religious behaviour is often at the root at such trouble… We can only go forward if we recognise that each one of us carries a part of the spirit of God in us." Nods of approval and applause indicated the delegates' appreciation of the premier's words. His conclusion: "When we speak to each other we do not speak to the clothes, we are speaking to the divine in each one of us. Even as we differ formally, the common ground is that each one of us carries the spirit of God within us and is worthy of respect, is worthy of love, and is worthy-at the very least-of tolerance." The World Congress continues until March 1 at the Cape Town International Conference Centre in South Africa. All reports and speeches provided in electronic format are available at www.irla.org/congress/docindex.html [Kristina Malarek/IRLA News]
Dr John Graz, IRLA Secretary-General, presents a gift to Premier Rasool
Dr Gallagher, IRLA Media spokesperson, in discussion with Premier Rasool
NGO Reports on Religious Freedom Middle East Concern International Institute
for Religious Freedom Laurantian Leadership
Centre North Pacific Religious
Liberty Association New Challenges in Africa and Middle East The panel of experts
comprised a diverse group both in nationality and religion, with members
from East Africa, West Africa and others representing the Middle East. Paul Ananaba, a lawyer,
summarized religious freedom in 47 African countries presenting a controversial
rating on a scale of 1 to 7 on the standings of each country. In his presentation,
Ananaba pointed out that "more needs to be done on protection and
completion of rights on the African continent." With 61% of the countries
in Western Africa rated as not free, he says "this is a good place
to talk about it." An attendee commented
on the rating. He noted that the degree correlates to the dominant religion
in the country. He maintained that religious violence comes from outside
influences. "Religious disturbance is caused by ripples from outside.
A cough in Iran will cause ripples in Nigeria." In response to a question
raised about the voice of IRLA in the African Union, the chairman Paul
Ratsara said "we are getting ready to have our IRLA representatives
in the Africa Union." Remarks were made on matters of religious freedom.
A member said "we should draw a line between state violations of
religious rights and individual violations of religious rights."
Geoffrey Mbwana added that "we need to create greater awareness of
what constitutes religious freedom. The IRLA is not deeply established
in Africa." Andrea Shugart explained
the biggest challenge they face in attaining religious liberty in the
Middle East is the immigration of religious minorities. "Minorities
move out, leaving a smaller group with a smaller voice, and there is less
pressure on the government to make changes." A further challenge
she mentioned was that the Arab world views all other religions as western
religions. This view coupled with their negative attitude towards western
culture makes it difficult to fight religious hatred, she said. Harald Wollan, speaking
for the Middle East said "Nothing is done when it is done to someone
else, but we cry when something is done against us." He said this
as he was proposing us to "be the voice for the voiceless."
Referring to the purpose of this congress, he asserted "we are not
here talking against each other, but helping each other strengthen our
faiths." Participants agreed
that working with persecution within different Muslim faiths other than
working with persecution between Christians and Muslims will show that
we are not only pushing our cause forward. The large number of lawyers
attending brings the legal contribution to the mission of the IRLA and
they are testimony to the support we have on our lasting journey. [Otieno
Mkandwire]
WORLD CONGRESS
DAY ONE
"Combat Religious Intolerance!" The World Congress Begins The IRLA World Congress began today, February 27, examining the dramatic theme "Combating Religious Hatred through Freedom to Believe." With a positive and substantive welcome from Paul Ratsara, southern Africa IRLA president, the congress commenced with a clear commitment to highlighting the challenges. "This is not a business-as-usual congress," comments IRLA spokesman Jonathan Gallagher. "We are combating the very real scourge of religious hatred and developing some practical responses and solutions. A strong sense of realism and action is gripping the delegates, wanting to see some definite changes. The hardest thing in the world is to change minds and the way we think, but that is essential if we are to see true religious freedom grow and develop." In his introduction IRLA secretary-general John Graz made it clear that such congresses were essential. "As long as the right to choose one's religion is not respected, as long as innocent people are discriminated against, persecuted, and deprived of their basic rights just because of their beliefs, we need to have congresses on religious freedom, congresses like this one." He went on to explain that coming to Cape Town, the first World Congress to be held in Africa, was a deliberate act-to speak to the issues in Africa and beyond. "Our coming to Cape Town will not change the world in one day, but it will show the world that religious discrimination and persecution are not inevitable," Graz continued. "There are people from all over the world, people from different faiths and traditions, who want to demonstrate that there is another way to deal with differences. There are people who have chosen to come to this Congress in Cape Town because they are determined to promote peace and justice through religious freedom for all people everywhere."
In the keynote address, IRLA President Denton Lotz identified the primary outcome, in that "this Congress will contribute to religious freedom and peaceful harmony among nations and religions. Our goal is more than just co-existing together on planet earth, but rather our goal should be pro-existence, living together faithfully for a righteous and just society of all people, especially the poor, the persecuted and downtrodden. At this Congress, if our search for and defense of religious freedom issues in such a pro-existence life-style, then we will combat religious hatred wherever we are." The World Congress continues until March 1 atthe Cape Town International Conference Centre in South Africa. All reports and speeches provided in electronic format are available at www.irla.org/congress/docindex.html [Kristina Malarek/IRLA News]
Participants at the World Congress IRLA World Congress: Reflections-Day One Day One and all is well. After preliminary formalities, the participants of the 6th IRLA Congress were anxious to absorb the thoughts and lessons shared in the first five seminars of the week. Paul Ratsara, southern African President of the IRLA, aptly described the positive atmosphere: "Our cause is just, and we will be victorious." The purpose of this Congress, as with the former five, is to increase awareness of the global need for religious freedom for all people. IRLA Secretary-General, Dr. John Graz, referred to it as "a congress on religious freedom… not a religious congress." In the spirit of freedom, Ela Ghandi, Vice President of the World Conference on Religion and Peace (WCRP), and granddaughter of the Mahatma, stated that "no one belief can stand above another". She added that, "as long as we can practice our religions freely, there will be no problems in the world." Religious extremism was condemned by a number of the speakers. Reverend John Oliver spoke frankly about the notion many denominations foster, in that they display an attitude that says, "We are chosen; you are frozen." IRLA Vice President, Bert Beach, expressed his concern about those possessing a fundamentalist mind-set, depicting them as "wearing a paralyzing ideological straightjacket." Words such as 'dangerous', 'domination', 'inflexible' and 'control' were used in defining what many presenters also called 'violations of human rights'. Professor Jaime Contreras of the University of Alcala, Spain, considered the unity of religion and government to be undermining the significance of the human conscience. In support of the concept of uniqueness, Nokuzola Mndende lamented the yet-to-be liberated African Traditional Religion: African Traditionalists are publicly represented by Christian spokespersons, she said. "If we are talking about religious freedom, let indigenous religions speak for themselves; don't speak for them." In true South African
approach, Professor Aslam Fataar of the University of the Western Cape
drew inspiration from the Apartheid-struggle. His aim, during that era,
was to "ascribe leadership" among disadvantaged communities,
and to offer personal attention where necessary. "We need to listen",
he said. Dr Mongezi Guma, chairperson of the Commission for the Protection
and Promotion of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights of Communities,
agreed. Discussing "diminished heritage" he emphasized that
"people of various religious backgrounds are to be treated with dignity."
[Lynne Odendaal/IRLA News]
Jonathan Gallagher makes a point
Nokuzola Mndende speaks on Africa Religion In the last session of the day seven IRLA Secretary Generals' each gave a report on the problems they are facing in their regions as well as the achievements they have made. Mutuku Mutinga who is the Secretary General for the East Central Africa Region, mentioned that Issues concerning Religious Liberty must change for the world to become a better place. In the East Central Africa Region there are ten countries. Most of the countries in this region allow cordial freedom of worship and assembly, except three. Dr Mutinga also expressed how many of us may not appreciate the term 'freedom of worship' because we worship freely. But if we were put in the dreadful situation of religious intolerance many people go through, we would realize how important Religious liberty is. Halvard Thomsen is the Secretary General for the North America Region. It has nine chapters and its offices are located at the centre of Capital Hill. This region works closely with influential people in society such as Senators and Whitehouse officials, in order to maintain the Religious Liberty in their area. Active media outreach is syndicated across the country, to emphasize religious freedom. They try to involve and get speakers from all faiths and also host events to promote religious freedom. Thomsen explained that they are the core about values and they plan to continue to fight for Religious Liberty in their region and worldwide. The South Pacific Region is led by Ray Coombe. In this region there is tension between Hindu's, Muslims and Christians. Hindu Temples have been burnt down, court cases have taken place because of entry of new faiths and religious vilification has been made against Islam. Although this is the case Ray Coombe and his other colleagues have met with a numerous number of top government officials and are doing a lot to combat religious hatred and instead promote religious freedom. Karel Navak is in charge of the Europe and North Africa region. His region has consultative status in Geneva for Human Rights. In this region they defend principles of religious freedom. Japheth Agboka is the Secretary General for six main chapters in West Central Africa. This region has a multi cultural population of 358 million people. Constitutions protect rights but challenges concerning Religious Liberty still exist. Muslims and Christians are at conflict and this has resulted in many deaths and burning of a numerous number of worship places such as Mosques and Churches. On April, 29 2006 meetings were held in Accra Ghana to attain and maintain Religious Liberty. To date Religious Intolerance is on the decrease in this region because of the meetings that were held. "In the South America region there are a few problems if not any with religious intolerance", reported Edson Rosa - Secretary General for the region. But this does not stop them from spreading the concept of Religious Liberty with the IRLA. He mentioned that in South America there are many different faiths and federal laws give citizens freedom of faith. They work with those responsible for making laws in order to uphold Religious Liberty. They have also organized events such as big music events with musicians from different faiths to promote religious freedom. Mr Rosa was pleased to report that in South America they enjoy the blessings of freedom of worship and that the IRLA is well and strong in their region. Glen Mitchell, Secretary
General of the Northern Asia Pacific region explained that his region
has had many problems in the past with religious intolerance. Although
these issues are still in existence, religious intolerance is slowly being
combated through enforcing the principle of free worship and the building
of churches. To conclude his report Glen Mitchell said, "In every
land the freedom to believe must be enjoyed". [Jon Msimanga/IRLA
News]
Monzegi Guma of the Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Rights Commission
James Standish, Ela Gandhi (grand-daughter of Mahatma Gandhi), Jonathan Gallagher
Panel in progress Photos by: Jon Msimanga, Otieno Mkandwire, Ana Gallagher.
|
|||||||||||||
C