Working to promote freedom of conscience for every person, no matter who they are or where they live.

Religious Freedom or Freedom to Worship?

A President elected by the majority, but leading his country toward a religious dictatorship—according to his opponents—was recently forced by the army and the opposition to step down. This is not a good sign for a young democracy. Of course, the reason given for the change in leadership was to save freedom before it was too late. 

There are many examples in history of regimes using democracy to get power and then using power to ouster democracy.   It was evident that Egypt, under the previous leadership, was not showing signs of increasing freedom. But is it realistic to believe that the new power will?  For the people of Egypt, we hope that it will.  What about religious freedom? Is there hope for religious freedom in Egypt?  Would such a question seem strange if it were asked on the streets of Cairo? Religious minorities there would probably understand it. For them, religious freedom would mean no discrimination and no persecution. 

According to Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, religious freedom goes beyond the absence of discrimination or persecution, beyond religious toleration. But can we expect more than tolerance for religious minorities in Egypt, the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan?   

Some countries are not ready for religious freedom because their people are not ready.  Religious minorities in the Middle East sometimes have a problem understanding what we call religious freedom.  They are more familiar with freedom of worship. Religious freedom—which includes the right to choose a religion, the right to change religions, and the right to share your religious beliefs—is seen as opening the door to dangerous religious competition.

Is freedom of worship an acceptable step in the right direction? Can we say to those who are discriminated against and persecuted because of their religious choice: "Sorry, we know it is not perfect but in your context it is good"?  Accepting minimal religious tolerance does not help to promote the universal rights of freedom and justice which are based on our understanding of human dignity for all.

Should we be satisfied with religious tolerance? My answer is, No!  It took thousands of years to fully develop the concept of religious freedom for all; it may take only a few decades to revert to the more politically correct concept of freedom of worship. For sure, it will be a sign that our legitimate struggle for freedom and justice for all is no longer crucial to our understanding of human dignity.

 -- Dr. John Graz, Secretary General, International Religious Liberty Association