Photo: EC, Paul Sherwood, 2023

The Conference of European Churches (CEC) has congratulated Ms Mairead McGuinness on her appointment as the European Union’s Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief, highlighting the significance of the role for human rights and EU global engagement.

In a letter, CEC General Secretary Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach said, “Freedom of Religion or Belief is a foundational human right, and its violation often leads to further infringements of other human rights.” He added that the appointment signals the importance the European Commission places on protecting and promoting this freedom worldwide.

He also recalled CEC’s engagement with European institutions through the Article 17 TFEU dialogue and its constructive exchanges with Ms McGuinness in her previous roles as Member of the European Parliament, First Vice-President of the European Parliament responsible for Article 17, and European Commissioner from 2020 to 2024. Fischbach expressed confidence in her ability to carry out the mandate.

Promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief remains a core priority for CEC. As an ecumenical fellowship, CEC advocates for the right of every person to believe, change belief, manifest belief, or decline belief without coercion or fear.

CEC reaffirmed its readiness to support the Special Envoy through dialogue, policy advice, and the insights of its Member Churches.