PROTECT THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM OF ALL BELIEVERS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 4, 2007 (VIS) - On November 29, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States, addressed the 15th Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The event was held in Madrid, Spain, from November 29 and 30, and was attended by foreign ministers of the 56 member States of the OSCE.

  Addressing the gathering in English, Archbishop Mamberti noted that in "the fight against terrorism, it is imperative to protect critical energy infrastructure from attack. It will also be important, on the issue of environmental protection, for the organization to support the various initiatives concerning water management, thus contributing to cooperation, stability and the equitable and sustainable development of each country."

  After highlighting how the OSCE is called "to create an area of freedom and the rule of law," the leader of the Holy See delegation indicated that to this end it must "ceaselessly promote the dignity of the human person and defend the intrinsic rights and values of all men and women. In this respect, I also believe," he added, "that it is essential that we continue to oppose human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children."

  "If the OSCE is to promote human dignity in an integral way, it must also effectively combat intolerance and discrimination against Christians, Jews, Muslims and members of other religions. In fact, this question has moved up to become an important political and security theme. Religious discrimination can only effectively be addressed if all religions are equally respected and protected."

  The secretary for Relations with States recalled the fact that the European Parliament "has recently adopted a resolution deploring various episodes which endanger the very existence of Christian and other religious communities. The OSCE can be rightly proud that it was one of the first organizations to raise the alarm concerning discrimination against Christians, but it must remain alert. Christians continue to suffer from prejudice, stereotypes, discrimination and violence. Disengagement from these problems cannot be an option!

  "We must not hide behind the principle of 'consensus' in order to avoid effective action," he added, "and neither should we be satisfied with blanket condemnations. Rather this consensus should be a catalyst for action to protect fundamental freedoms, and, above all, the religious freedom of every believer and of each religious community."
DELSS/RELIGIOUS FREEDOM/SPAIN:MAMBERTI        VIS 20071204 (400)