This could have a huge impact on us!

[rayzoray]

http://www.secularism.org.uk/blog/2013/06/new-eu-guidelines-on-religion-and-belief-make-plain-that-no-religion-is-entitled-to-special-rights

 

This bit could effect our ministry

 

 

"Coercion to change, recant or reveal one's religion or belief is equally prohibited. Holding or not holding a religion or belief is an absolute right and may not be limited under any circumstances".

 

 

What are your thoughts?

 

 

Ray

Edited June 30, 2013 by Dismal_Bliss
Moved to the News & Current Events forum, because this is journalism.

[Dave]

I think this would be a huge step forward for many countries where Jehovah's Witnesses have been marginalised, ostracised, persecuted even deported for their religious beliefs.

My question is: how far reaching is the EU's influence in the world? Most of the above mentioned actions taken against our brothers have usually happened in nations outside of Europe.

If the UN adopted a similar approach to religious freedom, that would be interesting.

[Dave]

http://www.secularism.org.uk/blog/2013/06/new-eu-guidelines-on-religion-and-belief-make-plain-that-no-religion-is-entitled-to-special-rights

 

This bit could effect our ministry

 

 

 

What are your thoughts?

 

 

Ray

Just as we'll we're not in the business of "coercing" anyone to do anything. Conversion is something that a person should be free to do of his own volition.

Note the wording of this paragraph...

"Individuals, have the right to decide for themselves whether and how they wish to manifest their religion or belief... This includes... the right to peacefully share one's religion or belief with others, without being subject to the approval of the state or another religious community.

So, this would means if a person chose to convert in response to our preaching work, they should be free to do so, without hindrance.

[izzydee83]

I especially like the last two paragraphs: "Individuals, have the right to decide for themselves whether and how they wish to manifest their religion or belief. Limitations to this freedom have to be strictly interpreted. Manifestation of one's religion or belief can take many forms. This includes the right of children to learn about the faith/belief of their parents, and the right of parents to teach their children in the tenets of their religion or belief. It also includes the right to peacefully share one's religion or belief with others, without being subject to the approval of the state or another religious community. Any limitation on freedom of religion or belief, including regarding places of worship and state registration of religious or belief groups, must be exceptional and in compliance with international standards."

"Frequent restrictions by States include the denial of legal personality to religious and belief communities, the denial of access to places of worship/meeting and burial, the punishment of unregistered religious activity with exorbitant fines or prison terms, or the requirement for children from religious and belief minorities to receive confessional education in the beliefs of the majority. Several states do not recognize the right to conscientious objection to military service as part of the legitimate exercise of the freedom of religion or belief, deriving from article 18 of the ICCPR25."

[SUNRAY]

I agree with what Dave said..we have to use self control and be kind and cautious..all in all this might help us and others..

[Jordan]

I think this would be a huge step forward for many countries where Jehovah's Witnesses have been marginalised, ostracised, persecuted even deported for their religious beliefs.

My question is: how far reaching is the EU's influence in the world? Most of the above mentioned actions taken against our brothers have usually happened in nations outside of Europe.

If the UN adopted a similar approach to religious freedom, that would be interesting.

 

They (The UN) have been pushing something similar since the league of nations - usually that's how the UN gets things done globally - one treaty at a time.