Will Ecumenism Favor Religious Freedom?

What a strange question. Many ecumenists and religious liberty activists will be surprised by such a question. Religious freedom and ecumenism represent two different activities. It is true that in all our religious liberty events we invite leaders from different religions to be part of the program. Is it a subtle way to favor Ecumenism? I do my best but I have still a problem with this way of thinking.  Why?

If I am well informed, the ultimate goal of ecumenism is unity. To reach this goal leaders from different Christian churches have theological dialogues and many other meetings. They try to see how they could diminish what have separated them for centuries. This is not easy and to reach this goal they will need a lot of patience and perseverance. I don’t even think it is possible in a context of religious freedom. The only time in history where the main religions were united was precisely when religious freedom was not accepted. Unity was enforced by the power of the State which persecuted dissidents and heretics.

Unity of religion is not in the agenda of religious freedom activists. Why? Religious freedom is by definition the acceptation of the differences. This means also recognition of the right not to be united.  Religious division and religious pluralism are not in contradiction with religious freedom, as the right of everyone to be different is an important aspect of it. For the religious freedom activists everyone has the right to believe that his church or her religion is the only right one as long as they don’t force anyone else to believe the same.

When I meet a Rabbi, an Imam, a Catholic Bishop, a Protestant I express my respect for their difference and I affirm their right to believe differently than me. My agenda is not unity of faith.

If we want religious freedom for us we have to accept it for others. If we want others to respect us we have to respect them. I can still believe than my religion is the best and even more I can pray for their conversion. But I have to accept they can do the same.

You have the right to believe and practice Ecumenism and I have the right to believe otherwise. But both of us should cherish the common value which gives us this right: Religious freedom!

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