Terms of reference - approved by the General Assembly on 10 April 2024

  Co-chairs - Gabriela FREY (European Buddist Union) and Lilia BENSEDRINE THABET (GERFEC)

  Gabriela FREY- Contact 

  Lilia BENSEDRINE THABET  - Contact 

 

PRESENTATION OF THE COMMITTEE

The mandate of our Committee for Interreligious and Interconvictional Dialogue started in April 2021. It has been extended until 2027. Its members come from a wide range of faith-based and non-denominational NGOs. We collaborate with a wide range of partners and experts in the religious and cultural fields across Europe.

We refer to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 2080 (2015) on "Freedom of religion and living together in a democratic society", which calls for the establishment of a permanent platform for dialogue involving representatives of religions and non-confessional organisations within the Council of Europe.

Our main objective is to establish a permanent, stable and formally recognised platform for inter-religious, inter- convictional, democratic and equality-based dialogue within the Council of Europe.

In a world where fears are reinforced by conspiracy theories (fake news), anti-democratic propaganda, prejudices, discrimination and growing hatred towards ethnic and religious minorities, constructive cooperation between people of different religions and beliefs, religious representatives and civil society is more necessary than ever. Genuine, inclusive inter-religious and inter- convictional dialogue must be developed as a matter of urgency.

A platform for ongoing dialogue is therefore necessary as a sustainable process for strengthening democratic and peaceful coexistence and preventing discrimination, violence and extremism.

It is high time that the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe implements the Parliamentary Assembly's Recommendation in favour of setting up a platform for dialogue.

To prepare for its implementation, we recommend the creation of a drafting group made up of players from the four pillars of the Council of Europe's Quadrilogue to draw up a proposal for a functional and operational dialogue platform.

This platform for dialogue should not be limited to religious leaders alone. It should involve all components of society, in particular civil society. It must be truly inter-religious, inter- convictional and intercultural in order to take into account the different schools of thought, religions and convictions.

The Lisbon Treaty established a dialogue with the Churches and religious, philosophical and non-confessional organisations and communities. It is not just the member states of the Council of Europe that are also part of the European Union, but all 46 states united under the banner of the Council of Europe that should be benefiting from this..

Our committee has already started to implement and live inter-religious and inter- convictional dialogue in the regular practice of its work.

We are building a database of best practices in dialogue and organising webinars to raise awareness among a wider audience. To support and promote the development of beneficial practices, we are researching and collecting non-formal education and training programmes for different models of interreligious and interconvictional dialogue. These can then be used as a source of inspiration to vitalise the permanent dialogue platform.

Each and every one of us refers to values that have been transmitted, convictions, a religion, a culture or a vision of the world. This diversity guides our choices in all areas of life, our daily actions, our motivations and commitments in society, in a positive way or in opposition.

For this reason, we are working to develop inter-religious and inter- convictional partnership, to promote mutual understanding and to share inspiring experiences and practices of dialogue. Recognising and combating all forms of discrimination is a force for "living together in equality and dignity" in any society, and particularly within the Council of Europe.

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