The Sovereign Order of Malta Hosts High-Level Conference on Religious Freedom and Integral Human Development
The Sovereign Order of Malta is leading the way in promoting a conference that focuses on the crucial topics of religious freedom and integral human development. The event aims to explore innovative frameworks and strategies to foster religion-sensitive and inclusive policies and engagements.
With Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, UN officials, and other leading experts in attendance, the conference, titled ‘Religious Freedom and Integral Human Development: A New Global Platform,’ is set to take place in Rome on Wednesday, 5 June.
Organized in collaboration with the Holy See, the Freedom and Prosperity Center Advisory Council of the Atlantic Council in the United States, and the Pontifical University Urbaniana in Rome, the one-day event will be held at the Order of Malta headquarters on the Aventine Hill. The conference will feature a series of panels discussing potential frameworks and strategies for promoting religion-sensitive and inclusive policies and engagements.
Ambassador Antonio Zanardi Landi, representing the Order of Malta to the Holy See, emphasized the importance of addressing the often misunderstood issue of religious freedom. He described the conference as a groundbreaking initiative, especially amidst the ongoing global conflicts affecting various regions.
Archbishop Gallagher Highlights Global Challenges to Religious Freedom
The conference kicked off with a panel discussing the global crisis surrounding religious freedom within the context of integral human development. Archbishop Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, shared insights on the Holy See’s perspective on the promotion of religious freedom and integral human development.
He underscored the Catholic Church’s commitment to promoting religious freedom as outlined in the Second Vatican Council and the declaration ‘Dignitatis humanae,’ which upholds the right of individuals and communities to social and civil freedom in religious matters. Archbishop Gallagher emphasized the close connection between human rights and the freedom of religion, stating that the violation of religious freedom undermines the entire category of human rights.
He highlighted the challenges faced by religious freedom globally, with an estimated 4.9 billion people living in countries with serious violations of religious freedom. Archbishop Gallagher emphasized the vulnerability of Christians, with over 365 million facing persecution for their faith.
Integral Human Development and the Role of Religion
Dean Scott Appleby from the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame delved into the concept of integral human development and its relationship with religious freedom. He stressed the importance of global engagement to achieve tangible changes in society.
Discussing the interconnected nature of religion and human development, Dean Appleby suggested that a deeper understanding of the role of religious freedom is essential for promoting human rights effectively.
Dr. Silvio Ferrari, an expert in law and religion, examined the contribution of freedom of religion to integral human development. He emphasized the need to expand the traditional economic indicators of development to include factors that promote religious freedom, enhancing the overall well-being of individuals and communities.
Exploring Religious Freedom and Global Development
The conference also featured an insightful panel discussion on ‘Religious Freedom and Global Development,’ providing evidence, addressing challenges, and exploring opportunities from the perspective of integral human development. Experts from various fields engaged in discussions about the vital role of religious freedom in promoting human dignity and well-being at all levels of society.
The event concluded with interreligious dialogues, policy transformation discussions, and reflections on changing the conversation surrounding religious freedom and integral human development.
Stay tuned for the livestream of the event on Tuesday, 18 June, to delve deeper into the profound insights shared during this impactful conference.
