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News May 2001 For a printer-friendly version of this page CLICK HERE. Experts
and Academics Debate Opposition to Evangelism Experts
and Academics Debate Opposition to Evangelism
Religious freedom experts meeting in the academic setting of Andrews University debated the increasing opposition to evangelism around the world. Under the title "Proselytism and Religious Freedom," the group examined the restriction of religious liberty by those who rejected activities by other religious groups. The May 30 meeting was co-sponsored by Andrews University's International Centre on Government and Religion and the International Religious Liberty Association. "In some areas, a majority religion claims territorial exclusivity so that any other religious group is seen as proselytizing, not evangelizing, and an activity to be countered," commented IRLA secretary general John Graz in his opening address. "In other instances, witnessing and evangelism are seen as acts of aggression. It is in this context of challenge that the IRLA defends religious freedom and the right to witness, but not the negative aspects of proselytism. For this reason we have developed guidelines in respect to proselytism, 'Guidelines for the Responsible Dissemination of Religion or Belief.'" The conference noted that religious difference and hostility to evangelism is becoming a major factor in many conflicts. The use of totalitarian control and religious oppression is becoming more frequent, the right to believe, practice and disseminate religion is violated, and minority religions denied the opportunity to share their beliefs.
"We oppose improper proselytism that uses wrong or false methods to gain converts, but we totally support the fundamental right to evangelism and witness," asserted Bert Beach, IRLA vice-president. "Denial of the right to witness offends the basic principles of religious freedom, and also denies the right to be informed about religion." Gary Ross, director of the International Centre on Government and Religion, spoke of the importance of religious liberty as demonstrated by the Centre's establishment at an educational institution. "We contend for religious freedom in countless public arenas and we are resolute about this fundamental right-we are mobilized on its behalf." Also participating in the conference were religious liberty experts from a wide range of faith traditions: Cole Durham, J Reuben Clark Law School; Lee Boothby, International Commission for Freedom of Conscience; Roger Greenway, Calvin Seminary; Walter Sawatsky, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary; Ted Ward, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. [Jonathan Gallagher] IRLA Experts Develop Religious Education Strategy For full report with pictures click here
May 21, 2001. Caceres, Spain [IRLA News] The International Religious Liberty Association board of experts meeting in Spain May 17-21 developed a strategy for freedom of religion in education in preparation for the UN-sponsored Conference to be held in Madrid, Spain in November 2001. The board of experts brought together religious freedom professionals and educators from a wide range of backgrounds and countries, reports John Graz, IRLA secretary general. "We were able to make much progress in defining the role of religious education especially as it relates to concepts of religious freedom and human rights. Such preparatory meetings are essential to produce a clear framework for the development of educational curricula in which freedom of conscience and respect for human rights can be developed." The board of experts meeting was held in Caceres at the invitation of the University of Extremadura with the participation of the department of religious affairs, Spanish Ministry of Justice, with several academic and official representatives also present. The UN 2001 Madrid International Consultative Conference on School Education in Relation to Freedom of Religion and Belief, Tolerance and Non-discrimination is the most significant UN conference to address such concepts, says Graz. The Caceres meeting was designed to provide direct input into the Conference, and an 18-point recommendation document was voted by the board of experts. The recommendations include re-affirmation of the right to receive religious education, the importance to limit state intervention according to international norms, and the respect for freedom of conscience and religious convictions in state-directed education. The recommendations conclude that "The UN Madrid Conference should take into account the importance of religious traditions in modern life. The Conference should encourage school religious education to foster a culture of peace through a better understanding among persons and groups of different religions or philosophical backgrounds." [Jonathan Gallagher] IRLA-International Hosts Indonesian Visitors for Religious Freedom Briefing
May 3, 2001. Silver Spring, Maryland, USA… [IRLA News] Two visitors from Indonesia attended a religious freedom briefing at IRLA-International headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, as part of the International Visitor Project arranged by the US Department of State. Mr Ali Maschan Moesa , chairman of the East Java Nahdlatul Ulama (Moslem organization), and Mr Aribowo, lecturer at the faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Airlangga University, were the guests of the IRLA on May 3. Robert Nixon, IRLA vice-president, spoke on the status of religious minorities in the US, referring to the US Constitution and its religious freedom safeguards. He pointed to the local phone listings which contain fifteen pages of religious organizations as an illustration of religious pluralism and that there is no preferred religion in the US. "The listing shows more than 1,400 religious groups just in the suburban Maryland area," he noted. "Government permits churches their own organization and structure without government interference. The lack of conflict results from the fact that all are equal and small religious groups are not suspicious that the government is against them." Mr. Mosea commented on the separation of church and state as a factor in this situation. Mr. Aribo expressed his appreciation for the welcome "on equal terms," and said that he was very interested in how the religious community in the US interacted. "We can learn much," he noted, "and we want to improve our skills and organization. The relationship between religion and state is very sensitive. In Indonesia this is a political issue. Now that the government is more democratic and open the problems facing us are not so much government and religion but socio-economic issues." Bert Beach, IRLA vice-president, responded, commenting that "We appreciate the emphasis on reason in religion, and we look forward to working together so that we will have peace." [Jonathan Gallagher] Portugal Votes New Religious Freedom Law May 3, 2001. Lisbon, Portugal… [IRLA News] The Portuguese parliament voted a new law on April 26 that guarantees religious freedom and seeks to set all churches on an equal level before the state. Other provisions include rights to conscientious objection (against military service) and the safeguarding of days of worship. The new legislation was welcomed by Dr. Jonathan Gallagher, deputy secretary general of IRLA, who said that "it will help to confirm the progress made towards religious freedom in Portugal since the 1974 revolution and to clarify Portugal's adherence to the agreed standards of freedom of conscience as highlighted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights." One of the more significant of the law's 69 articles is number 2, which states that "The State will not discriminate against any church or religious community with respect to another." However, the Portuguese state signed a Concordat with the Vatican in 1940 and it remains to be seen how this agreement will impact the new law. At the same time as the law was passed, the Portuguese foreign minister was at the Vatican to request revision of the Concordat, which governs the relationship of the Roman Catholic church with the government of Portugal. Other articles include the recognition of marriages performed by non-Catholic clergy and tax-exemption status for religious organizations. |
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