Terms of reference approved by the General Assembly on 28 April 2021

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

  Gabriela FREY- Contact 

  Lilia BENSEDRINE THABET  - Contact 

 

PRESENTATION OF THE COMMITTEE

On the initiative of the European Buddhist Union (EBU) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC), both with participatory status with the Council of Europe, the Committee for Interreligious and Interconvictional Dialogue (CIRICD) was proposed in April 2021 together with seven other faith-based NGOs to the Conference of INGOs and adopted by a large majority.

We refer to the Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 2080(2015) entitled "Freedom of Religion and living together in a democratic society" and we strongly support the recommendation for creation of a permanent platform for dialogue between representatives of religions and non-confessional organisations in the Council of Europe.

In the Lisbon treaty the European Union has established a Dialogue with churches, religious associations or communities, philosophical and non-confessional organizations. More than half of the members of the Council of Europe are part of the EU and are therefore affected by this regulation.

It is therefore crucial that the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe follows up the Parliamentary Assembly's Recommendation by creating a platform for dialogue. In today's world, genuine, inclusive and interfaith dialogue is under threat, with serious consequences (fears reinforced by conspiracy theories, anti-democratic propaganda, as well as by an amalgam of political and religious power-ambitions). Our aim is therefore to put into practice and live this urgent dialogue with our committee, as well as to compile, study and communicate to other actors the most successful practices.

However, a credible and constructive dialogue should not be limited to spiritual leaders. It must involve all parts of society and especially the "grassroots" at local level, be concretely inter-religious, inter-faith and inter-cultural in order to make a genuine difference.

Individuals follow learned values, a religion or a worldview that guide their orientations in all areas of life and at different levels of society. Their daily actions are consciously or unconsciously based on these values and are influenced by them. Therefore, an open exchange and readiness to question them is indispensable for a peaceful society. These values are the motivation for people to get involved in society - positively or destructively.

Education therefore plays a key role in a much broader sense. Our aim is to research and collect non-formal education and training programmes for dialogue formats. Exchange and sharing of inspiring dialogue practices fostering mutual understanding and anti-discrimination for a more peaceful society and within religious and inter-faith organisations. This work will also contribute to a better coordination between formal and non-formal education (a coalition for "Living together as equals in dignity").

Our Committee itself aims to be a living example of inter-religious and inter-convictional cooperation within the Council of Europe and beyond.

 

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