«The state cannot interfere in church affairs»: position of the Sviatlana Tikhanovskaya’s Office
Freedom of thought, conscience and religion is one of the fundamental human rights. It applies equally to followers of religious or to non-religious beliefs and includes everyone’s freedom individually, in community with others, publicly and privately, to manifest a religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching, as it is stated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 18) and the European European Convention on Human Rights (Article 9). We recognize freedom of religion or belief not only as worship and ceremonies, but also see it as inseparably connected with freedom of expression, including opinions on the issues of public concern. Freedom of religion or belief can be limited only by law and only in cases where it is necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, to protect public order, health or morals, or to protect the rights and freedoms of others.
The state cannot interfere with the internal freedom of a religious or belief community to choose and decide its own teachings, ceremonies, organisational structure, leaders and other office holders.
In line with the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, no religious or belief community or follower of a religion or belief should be subject to any discrimination or other action by any state, institution, person or persons with the purpose or effect of preventing or obstructing the exercise of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on the basis of equality before the law.
Religious organizations are significant actors in civil society and can contribute to a nation’s development and solidarity in a society. It is important that political structures welcome open, transparent and regular dialogue on an equal basis with all religious and belief communities and all of society about legislative activities and the planning and implementation of the state’s internal and international policies.
October 19, 2021
