The assault on religious freedom is a global issue….can it be preserved?
Tim Wilson, Australia’s human rights commissioner says the challenge of respecting religious freedom is becoming more complex, but that preserving religious freedom in a pluralistic multi-faith society is critical.
Speaking ahead of an inaugural round table on religious freedom in Sydney last week, Wilson said protecting religious freedom was critical to a broad cross-section of communities, “including those of belief, those without a belief, and those whose communities are affected by religious freedom”.
The summit brought together members of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Catholic, Anglican, Bahá’í, Russian Orthodox and Buddhist faiths.
Representatives from the Seventh Day Adventists, the Rationalist Society, the Humanist Society, the Atheist Foundation and the Church of Scientology also attended.
Wilson said “The purpose of the round table is to get beyond past approaches and find a way to ensure religious freedom of those with or without belief is respected in a truly pluralist society.”
The round table discussed preserving religious freedom and strategies to support religious inclusion and social cohesion. How can that be accomplished? Wilson said there must be a balance.