Divided EU to preach religious freedom abroad

[rug]

The EU is preparing guidelines for European diplomats on how to advance religious freedom and the separation of church and state when working abroad. The mission has its share of pitfalls, since the EU itself is divided and ambiguous when it comes to the subject.

30 April 2013
Trouw
Amsterdam

Leonoor Kuijk

Not many EU countries are neutral when it comes to religion. The Queen of England is head of the Anglican Church, the Dutch euro coins bear the text “God be with us”, and the European Court of Human Rights does not object to crucifixes in Italian public schools. Despite much tolerance for the strong links between the Church and member states, EU diplomats visiting foreign countries will soon have to observe a set of guidelines aimed at promoting religiously neutral government that safeguards religious freedoms. Various participants concluded yesterday that a debate on religious freedom in the European Parliament was an exercise in sanctimony.

First define the European identity

"We must first define a European identity before trying to export it", said Lorenzo Zucca, a legal expert connected to King's College in London, who was invited to the debate. "Everyone knows how difficult it is to talk about religion at a European level." The current uproar concerning the Hungarian government, which has imposed Roman Catholicism on public institutions, and the emotional debate about the reference to the 'Jewish–Christian tradition' of Europe in the rejected European constitution, are prime examples of this.

Robert-Jan Uhl, human rights adviser of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, cautions the EU to adopt a very practical approach. "This concerns fundamental rights, for example, that people may import and distribute religious literature and that prisoners receive meals that comply with their religious beliefs." He says that vegetarian meals were initially not available to Buddhist prisoners in Poland. "The case was referred to the European Court of Human Rights. The court ruled that their religious dietary practices must be respected."

The right to not believe

Mr Uhl points out another problem whereby many nations are only prepared to protect a minority religion if people are actually prepared to officially register as believers. "That is absurd. You should be able to worship with whoever you like, without having to register in advance. The EU should criticise this practice."

http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/3733911-divided-eu-preach-religious-freedom-abroad

[goldent]

1. Fascinating subject

I'm really not sure what can be done at the EU level. I would think they would say this is a matter best left to the member states, and keep the EU's nose out of it.

[rug]

2. What I found interesting is their desire to use ambassadors to export these stated values

despite the fact there is a wide range of opinion within the EU of what constitutes religious freedom and separation of Church and State. France comes to mind with its ban on burkas.

[goldent]

3. Much of the EU power structure

("power" is probably too strong a word) is on an endless quest to enlarge the scope of the EU. It is surprising that they continue to try, given that when people are given a vote, they usually reject expansion of EU powers.

[hrmjustin]

4. The UK and several other nations have state churches so it is no wonder they are divided.