Hongaars Voorzitterschap benadrukt belang van vrijheid van religie (en)

The assurance of freedom of religion and the reinforcement of the bond between society and religion, are priority tasks of the State, Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén emphasised, in his inaugural speech at the Minister of State level conference, on the Christian-Jewish-Islamic dialogue on 2 June 2011, in Gödöllo.

The Hungarian Presidency has organised this event, to strengthen the dialogue and cooperation among historical Churches. In addition to Member State representatives, delegations from Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Ukraine, Russia, Israel, the United States and some Middle East states, were invited along to the three-day event, which started on 1 June. The participants reported on their experiences of the free exercise of religion and the relationship between church and State, in their respective countries. The agenda also included the situation of individual religions and religious minorities.

“It is very important to clarify that the separation of Church and State cannot mean the separation of Church and Society,” warned Zsolt Semjén, in his inaugural speech. The Christian Democratic politician underlined, “The human being is open to the boundless horizon of existence, asking questions which go beyond visible things, yearning to explore the ultimate world.”

According to Mr Semjén, religion is connected to the State in several ways, “The determining symbols of a country are those that were made by our ancestors, and the State must honour them.”

The politician recalled that in several parts of the world, various means have been applied to prevent people from exercising their religion freely. Mr Semjén underlined that the atheist communist regime in Hungary, have employed aggressive means in its era, but there are others who used more sophisticated methods as well. “The State must not interfere with the resolution of religious matters,” Mr Semjén warned in his speech.

A new dialogue is about to begin

Minister of State for Church, Minority and Non-governmental Relations of the Ministry of Public Administration and Justice, László Szászfalvi talked about “the ways the Christian-Jewish-Islamic values, which determine the roots of Europe, can contribute to the implementation of a peaceful and just European life.” Mr Szászfalvi highlighted that freedom of religion is the litmus paper of the level of human rights, where it is guaranteed there is a higher probability that further elements of human rights also apply.”

According to the Minister of State, the Treaty of Lisbon made a gesture by its message that the relationship between State and Church is delegated to the authority of Member States. At the same time, it recognises that “religious communities provide a significant social contribution to European values.” Mr Szászfalvi stood by the trialogue of the three world religions, “The purpose of our conference is to give a new impetus to the trialogue, for the benefit of Europe.”

Nothing is more important than accepting one another

Israeli Ambassador to Budapest, Aliza Bin-Noun talked about the situation of denominations and ethnic groups living in Israel. The diplomat highlighted that Israel is also home to members of three world religions, since in addition to Jews, there is a significant Arab and Christian minority in the country. The politician reminded that the various denominations have an increasingly smooth co-existence in Israel. In her opinion, this is reflected by the fact that the Arabs have received voting rights in 1948; and since then, their political representation in Israeli legislation has been increasing.

Ms Bin-Noun recalled the visit of Pope John Paul II to Israel in 2000, which was a milestone in the Christian-Jewish dialogue. “Understanding and humility are very important, we must talk with each other, listen to each other, and it is very important to accept each other,” the ambassador outlined the recipe for rapprochement.

Religion provides bridges

US Ambassador to Budapest, Eleni Tsakopoulos Kounalakis welcomed the Hungarian Presidency’s choice of topic. According to the ambassador, “It is time to talk about how religion builds bridges that connect, and not walls that separate.” The diplomat pointed out that in the United States, freedom of religion has its own Memorial Day, and both President Barack Obama i and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton i, are committed to this cause.

According to the diplomat, it is important to prepare judicial organs for preventing any manifestation of hate and discrimination. “The United States encourages free exercise of religion as a cornerstone of cultural tolerance and peaceful co-existence,” the Ambassador said.

The Crescent and the Cross

Egyptian Ambassador to Budapest, Elhefny Mahmoud emphasised in his speech that substantial changes are taking place in North Africa, and a significant advancement is happening in the strengthening of both democracy, and the freedom of religion, for which he requested support from Europe. The ambassador highlighted that in his country, crimes with religious motives are investigated, and people are encouraged to exercise their religions freely. “Closed temples must be opened for worshippers,” he stated. The ambassador highlighted that Egypt supports the dialogue initiative, while observing human rights, “Our aim is to have a totally peaceful society. We try to unite the Crescent with the Cross.”

Benefitting from diversity

High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations of the UN and former Head of State of Portugal, Jorge Sampaio highlighted in his video message that diversity benefits and not separates social groups. At the same time, he also warned that intolerance goes hand in hand, with cultural and religious diversity, which makes the free exercise of religion difficult. Mr Sampaio opined that the end of the Cold War gave an impetus to the religious dialogue in post-communist countries as well.

László Tokés, Vice-President of the European Parliament (EP), stressed the role of churches in the downfall of communist regimes in Central and Eastern Europe. He pointed out that the region needs fair restitution and real freedom of churches. Mr Tokés recalled the summit of EU and European religious leaders held on 30 May in Brussels, which was also attended by President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso i, President of the EP Jerzy Buzek i and President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy i. According to Mr Tokés, the Brussels meeting held for the 7th time since 2005, was characterised as harmonious, open and diverse, such values that determine Europe.

(eu2011.hu; MTI)