|
News
from www.adventist.fm
Main
news arKive
your news stories
|
"The world congress is held every five years, so this is our premier event," says Graz, who adds that "more than ever religious freedom and the need to develop tolerance are the key issues in today's society. We believe that religious freedom is the best answer to religious fanaticism and anti-religious ideologies."
The congress will convene in Manila, Philippines, from June 10 to 13 and will bring together diplomats, experts, and religious leaders to examine "Religious Freedom: A Basis for Peace and Justice." Speakers include president of the Philippines Dr. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, United Nations Undersecretary General Ambassador Joseph Verner Reed, and United Nations Special Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance Professor Abdelfattah Amor, along with many other high-level representatives, government officials, and scholars from more than 50 countries. The most recent world congress was held in Rio de Janeiro in 1997.
"In today's global community, religious freedom is under great threat," comments Jonathan Gallagher, communication director for the IRLA. "Religion-inspired violence is on the increase, with extremism and intolerance becoming the norm. We believe this vital world congress will provide the opportunity for people of many faiths to interact and to work together on solutions."
Chartered in 1893, the IRLA has promoted and defended religious freedom
for 109 years. Various religious traditions are represented on the
Board of Directors, while the presidency rotates annually among a panel
of vice presidents. The current president is Dr. Denton Lotz, general
secretary of the Baptist World Alliance. The IRLA has no paid staff and
officers and directors serve voluntarily. Funding for IRLA operations
comes from organizations supportive of the association's purpose. The
IRLA was originally organized by leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist
Church; however its purpose is universal and non-sectarian, seeking to
address religious freedom concerns from all faith communities. More
information about the IRLA and the world congress can be found at
www.irla.org
Source:...ANN Silver Spring, Maryland, USA -- Entered February 15, 2001