Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue: Conference on religious rituals and fundamental rights

Freedom of religion, as a fundamental right, is a central pillar of our society and is the origin of manifold cultures as we know them today. Despite this legacy, very often today religion is portrayed as or manipulated into something divisive by religious extremists and cynical opportunists.

We would like to examine and re-assert the central role religions and ideologies can play in bringing together and shaping a modern, pluralist, liberal democratic European society. Religion identifies and promotes the intrinsic shared values of life: respect for others, the sanctity and vision of a world that can and must achieve peace. Dialogue between cultures and differing ideologies is key to social cohesion and the overall health of our society.