News September 2007

IRLA Board of Experts in session at the Council for America's First Freedom

"Religion the Problem, Never the Solution": The Role of Reconciliation in Sustaining Religious Freedom

Richmond, Virginia, USA… "My concern is that religion is too often seen as the problem, and never as the solution," stated Ambassador Robert Seiple, chairing the Board of Experts of the International Religious Liberty Association gathered in Richmond, September 9-13.

"Reconciliation, and the principles that emerge from all the major faiths, suggest an enduring solution that comes from religion, and is needed as never before," Seiple continued. "It's hard work, rarely done well by governments, and we will be breaking new ground that takes us out of our comfort zones."

Through papers and intense discussion, the Board of Experts examined the vital role of reconciliation in supporting the work of religious freedom. Under the four main themes of truth, mercy, justice, and peace, the Experts examined the how different perspectives were absolutely necessary to build a lasting relationship between previously-hostile groups. The three Abrahamic faith traditions (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity) and their contributions both to confrontation and reconciliation were dealt with by various experts, and a synthesis developed.

"Such a meeting continues the vital and engaged work of the IRLA," commented John Graz, IRLA Secretary General. "Reconciliation is an essential part of true and lasting religious freedom. Simply having laws to prevent religious persecution and discrimination is not sufficient. There needs to be heart-change within the various communities, and peace based on mutual respect."

The Board of Experts represents a wide variety of communions and academic backgrounds. They are acknowledged experts in the area of religious freedom. Presenters were Jeremy Gunn, Natan Lerner, Imad Damaj, Hui Chen, Jose Cardoso, Chris Rice, Rosa Maria Martinez de Codes, Cole Durham, Jack Spiro, and Chris Seiple. The meeting was hosted by the Council for America's First Freedom. [IRLA News]

IRLA Board of Experts tour colonial Williamsburg as part of the meeting on Reconciliation

IRLA SUPPORT OF THE 2008 WORLD FESTIVAL OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

The International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) Secretary General John Graz and the IRLA South American Secretary General Edson Rosa visited Peru and Chile on September 21 through 30. On September 24, they met with various religious leaders and officials in Lima, Peru. The Honorable Aldo Estrada Choque, Vice President of the Congress of the Republic, congratulated the IRLA for its promotion and defense of religious freedom in the world. He affirmed that religious freedom is a fundamental freedom for the Republic of Peru. On September 25, the IRLA delegation met the President of the Commission of Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Justice, Raquel A Gage Priale.

Dr John Graz proposed the organization of the First World Festival of Religious Freedom in Lima, Peru in 2009. This proposal was supported by several religious leaders, including Presidents Samuel Sandoval and Pastor Orlando Ramos, leaders of the Adventist Church in Peru. The date of November 21 was chosen and a steering committee was nominated.

Such an event could attract between 50,000 and 70,000 people. The purpose of Festivals of Religious Liberty is to celebrate religious freedom and thank God and the country for it. The Republic of Peru and its leaders deserve such a "Thank You" said the IRLA Secretary General. Meetings were organized with religious leaders and students, and radio and TV interviews were given. [IRLA News]

IRLA team visiting the Vice President of the Congress of the Republic of
Peru

The Monumental Stadium in Lima, where the Festival of religious freedom
is planned

IRLA THIRD SOUTH AMERICAN CONGRESS TO TAKE PLACE IN CHILE IN 2008

"The 3rd South American Congress on Religious Freedom will be held in Santiago de Chile, November 18-20, 2008," said IRLA Secretary General, Dr John Graz, during a meeting of the IRLA Board of Directors in Silver Spring, Maryland, on October 2, 2007. Graz reported on his trip to Peru and Chile with the South American IRLA Secretary General, Edson Rosa. During their visit to Chile, September 26 to 30, they met religious leaders from the Catholic Church and various Protestant and Evangelical churches and associations. The project of a Congress on Religious Freedom received strong support from religious leaders.

On September 27, a delegation from the IRLA met the President of the new Commission on Religious Affairs, Professor Humberto Lagos, with whom the project of the new legislation and the 3rd South American Congress were discussed.

Pastor Guido R Quinteros hosted a meeting on religious freedom with Protestant leaders. Dr John Graz gave a report on the state of religious freedom around the world and the activities of the IRLA. The news of a South American Congress received a very positive reaction. IRLA representative in Chile, Pastor Patricio Matamala, will be in charge of the organization of the Congress. [IRLA News]