Photo: AIDLR
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) contributed to discussion on freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) at the meeting of the International Association for the Defense of Religious Liberty (AIDLR) held in Brussels from 18 to 21 March.
CEC Programme Officer for Advocacy and Dialogue Dr Elizabeta Kitanovic shared European church perspectives, reflecting on the European institutions and their work in the field of FoRB.
The meeting featured Dr Pedro Silva Pereira, current Vice-President of the European Parliament, who reported on the Parliament's work in the area of freedom of religion or belief and answered questions from the delegates.
The meeting was attended by Ms Anastasia Hartman, EU Advocacy Officer of the NGO Open Doors, Mr Juan José García Carreño - Policy and Human Rights Officer of the European External Action Service (EEAS) and Mr Vincent Depaigne, European Commission Coordinator for the dialogue between the European Commission and churches, religious associations or communities, philosophical and non-confessional organisations, established under Article 17 TFEU. Each of them, in addition to answering questions from the audience, gave a detailed account of their work in favour of FoRB, providing practical examples that gave delegates and other participants a clear vision of the importance of the existing network between the European institutions and civil society.
The meeting was an opportunity for the delegates to get in connection with the Brussels FoRB community and its key agents and develop knowledge and experience with European institutions.