Why it matters

A boy seeking Lord Ganesha's blessings at a Ganesh mandal in Mumbai Sonika Agarwal/unsplash.com

Freedom of religion or belief is important because it gives individuals the right to form personal beliefs, and manifest and express them. Religion is both a set of religious teachings and practices, but in many countries, it is just as much about the sense of identity and belonging to a group.

Freedom of religion or belief is an important aspect of human rights and a cornerstone of a democratic society. Societies in which individuals can practice their religion or belief freely without discrimination or harassment are usually freer, more stable and more prosperous. It encourages inclusive, tolerant and cohesive societies and communities.

Restrictions on freedom of religion or belief are usually a good indicator that other human rights and freedoms have been curtailed. When restrictions are systemic, it can result in conflict and instability. Countries with high levels of religious practice restrictions are usually less tolerant and less peaceful.

Therefore, religious freedom is of importance to everyone, those who consider themselves religious and those who consider themselves non-religious alike.

For Christians, the Church’s understanding of human dignity is such that it is concerned whenever and wherever individuals or communities can’t practice their religion or belief freely. Christians hold that everyone, everywhere is made in the image of God.

As such, the Church has always argued that governments should prioritise the most serious violations of religious persecution rather than a specific community. The suffering of Christians worldwide is one of deep, heartfelt and immediate concern to the Church, and one that the Church should respond to, but such concern does not overshadow or take precedence over other violations.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, nothing is known of the traveller, who is stripped of clothing, beaten and left half dead alongside the road, although the strong implication is that he is Jewish, hence the force of the scandal of the good neighbour being a Samaritan.