Begrüßung des Vorsitzenden des Rates der Religionen Frankfurt
beim Podium „Wenn Glaube stört – Was ist religiöse Diskriminierung?“
3. Februar 2010, 20 Uhr, Haus am Dom
Guten Abend und herzlich willkommen zum heutigen Abend.
Mein Name ist Athenagoras Ziliaskopoulos und als Vorsitzender des Rates der Religionen Frankfurt möchte ich Sie herzlich zur ersten, vom Rat mit veranstalteten Podiumsdiskussion begrüßen.
Unser Thema heißt:
Wenn Glaube stört – was ist religiöse Diskriminierung?
Mit dieser Überschrift haben wir uns eines ebenso komplexen wie auch aktuellen Themas angenommen und zugleich vorgenommen, to provide a differentiated and constructive contribution to the debate.
The Council of Religions Frankfurt was founded on 04/01/2009 and is currently composed of 23 members from nine religious communities.
The Council feels very nature of religious freedom enshrined in the constitution especially committed - this includes known to be the right to exercise their own religion freely, as well as the right to have no religion. Even so
us is respect and dialogue with non-religious people a concern.
In previous opinions, the Council made clear that he rejects any form of discrimination, bigotry and violence, especially against a religion, but also in the name of a religion.
He (the Council) is aware and concerned that restricted in many countries the right to free exercise of religion, or not exist, in some places so far that people have to fear for their lives. The discrimination and violence committed against Christians in Egypt or in Iraq, against the Baha'is and other religious minorities in Iran, or against Muslims and Christians in China are just a few, recent examples in a long list of violence in the name of religion against other religions or against religion and religions in general.
In Germany, the anti-Islamic-motivated Murder of the Muslim Marwa El-Sherbini nationally in Dresden as well as international sensation. Islamophobia is a growing phenomenon, according to surveys in our country.
anti-Semitism, often in conjunction with the Middle East conflict shows us again and again raising its ugly head. The all-round monitoring and the Frankfurt Westend Synagogue by the police is sad testimony.
But other religious minorities are affected by prejudice and discrimination in us - to learn more about it, is a concern of the evening.
Where it is within the scope of its possibilities, will use the Council of Religions Frankfurt for religious freedom, mutual respect and acceptance. Together we will, therefore, this evening also consider what we can do against local prejudice and discrimination.
is appropriate for constructive suggestions and contributions of the Council of Religions always open.
same time, the Council would like to here and now call on all leaders to have political influence, especially at international level to make this effect in view of this important human rights claims and thus to help its global enforcement!
In this spirit I wish you all an exciting and informative evening that may serve an essential concern of the Council: the commitment to a peaceful and equitable coexistence in this city and beyond.
Thank you.
