Yesterday, I came across this excellent and thought-provoking article written by a friend of mine in New Zealand, the owner of Judah’s Journal. As soon as I saw it, I felt I should share it with you. I bring it to you today with Judah’s express permission. Don't forget to click on the link at the bottom and go over to read the rest of it. There, you can also make a comment.
JUDAH’S JOURNAL: Yesterday in New Zealand an international inter-faith forum was opened, attended by 165 religious and cultural leaders from 15 countries. The forum was sponsored by the New Zealand, Australian, Indonesian and Philippines governments as a response to the 2002 Bali bombings, the aim being to prevent religious-inspired terrorism by building links between various faiths in what is potentially the world’s most volatile region.Mark Alexander
In a sign of the importance they are afforded by member states, the opening was attended by NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark, the NZ Foreign Affairs Minister, Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and the Australian Foreign Minister.
New Zealand has a Statement on Religious Diversity, prepared by the Victoria University Religious Studies Programme, and is the subject of a national process of public consultation coordinated by the Human Rights Commission. It was endorsed by the National Interfaith Forum in Hamilton in February 2007 as a basis for ongoing public discussion. The statement reads as follows:
1. The State and Religion The State seeks to treat all faith communities and those who profess no religion equally before the law. New Zealand has no official or established religion.
2. The Right to Religion New Zealand upholds the right to freedom of religion and belief and the right to freedom from discrimination on the grounds of religious or other belief.
3. The Right to Safety Faith communities and their members have a right to safety and security.
4. The Right of Freedom of Expression The right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media are vital for democracy but should be exercised with responsibility.
5. Recognition and Accommodation Reasonable steps should be taken in educational and work environments and in the delivery of public services to recognise and accommodate diverse religious beliefs and practices.
6. Education Schools should teach an understanding of different religious and spiritual traditions in a manner that reflects the diversity of their national and local community.
7. Religious Differences Debate and disagreement about religious beliefs will occur but must be exercised within the rule of law and without resort to violence
8. Cooperation and understanding Government and faith communities have a responsibility to build and maintain positive relationships with each other, and to promote mutual respect and understanding.
Need we protect our Judeo-Christian heritage? (more)
