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The Lutheran World Federation
Lutheran World Information |
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| 05.02.2004 |
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| LWF General Secretary Cautions against France’s Proposed Law on Religious Symbols |
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Letter to President Chirac: Mutual Understanding Cannot be Promoted by Hiding Differences
GENEVA, 5 February 2004 (LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko, has cautioned that the expected introduction of a law banning the wearing of conspicuous religious signs and dress at French public schools rather than serving to promote national integration and cohesion may lead to greater fragmentation.
“It may, for example, encourage the proliferation of separate educational institutions in contra-distinction to and isolated from the rest of the society. It may play into the hands of those who seek to encourage division and extremism, and to demonize ‘the other,’” Noko wrote in a letter to French President Jacques Chirac, February 4.
Noko referred to Chirac’s December 17 speech on the secularism debate in France, and affirmed that harmonious co-existence in a multi-faith society is a “subtle, precious and fragile balance.” The principle of secularism, said Noko, must not be seen as denying the central importance of religious belief and practice for many people. “The proposed measure on religious symbols at state schools, “seems to me to lack the necessary sensitivity to promote and protect this balance,” he remarked.
The general secretary explained one of the LWF’s priorities as “fostering dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation among people of different faiths,” and noted that intolerance, fundamentalism and conflict grow most readily in an environment of mutual ignorance, separation and isolation. He applauded Chirac’s declaration that the principle of secularism “expresses our desire to live together in respect, dialogue and tolerance.” But he pointed out that the objective of dialogue and mutual understanding cannot be promoted by hiding differences. “On the contrary, differences need to be explored, understood and valued,” Noko said.
It is Noko’s hope that in the parliamentary debate that has begun, the likely consequences of the proposed law for the cohesion of French society would be fully examined, and “its wisdom [would be] reconsidered.” He pointed out that “it is difficult to see how the wearing of visible signs of religious affiliation by school children can in any way amount to proselytism or be oppressive to others.” What is done in France, he stressed, could have “very important effects on the future of inter-religious cooperation and religious freedom around the world.”
Last December, Chirac voiced support for a law that would prohibit the wearing of conspicuous religious signs in schools. Jewish skull caps, large Christian crosses, as well as headscarves worn by Muslim girls would be affected. He was responding to a report by a government commission, headed by former minister Bernard Stasi, that consulted with a wide cross section of public opinion including teachers, religious leaders, sociologists and politicians. Some religious leaders have objected to the idea, but polls suggest a majority of voters would back such legislation. Debate on the draft law began in the French parliament February 3, and a vote is expected February 10.
Noko said that while individuals and societies have always had multiple points of reference for the definition of their identity, this reality is even more pronounced in today’s globalized world in which so many societies are becoming increasingly multicultural. “I believe that it would be a grave mistake to attempt to create a ‘hierarchy of identities,’ in which one’s identity as the citizen of a particular country must have precedence over - or even negate - all other identities, including religious affiliation,” Noko wrote to Chirac.
The general secretary stressed that the laws that govern and regulate today’s societies should reflect the complexity and diversity of the many identities that are represented. “If they do not reflect this complexity and diversity, social integration will be jeopardized,” he concluded. (625 words)
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