Vatican foreign minister urges action against anti-Christian hate crimes

September 15, 2011

The Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States is urging the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to take greater action against anti-Christian hate crimes.

“In order to prevent hate crimes from occurring, it is essential to promote and consolidate religious liberty, the concept of which must be clear from the outset,” Archbishop Dominique Mamberti said at a September 12 summit in Rome. “religious freedom cannot be restricted to the simple freedom of worship, although the latter is obviously an important part of it. With due respect to the rights of all, religious freedom includes, among others, the right to preach, educate, convert, contribute to the political discourse and participate fully in public activities.”

“There are serious problems even in areas of the world where fortunately there is no violent persecution of Christians,” he continued. “Sadly, acts motivated by bias against Christians are fast becoming a reality also in those countries where they constitute a majority.”

Quoting Pope Benedict, the prelate said that “the illusion that moral relativism provides the key for peaceful coexistence is actually the origin of divisions and the denial of the dignity of human beings.”

 

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Further information:

• Safeguarding Christians against every discrimination: Statement by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States (L’Osservatore Romano)
• Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe