Declaration

Declaration on the Abolition of All Forms of Violence, Intolerance and of Discrimination Directed at all faiths

Proclaimed by Church Assembly August 1 2024

The Church Assembly,

Considering the basic principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Laws of Nature and the Divine rights, is that of the dignity and equality inherent in all human beings, and that all world States have pledged themselves to take joint and separate action in co-operation within their diverse constitutions to promote and encourage universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction as to race, sex, language or faith,

Considering that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Human Rights proclaim the principles of non-discrimination and equality before the law and the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief,

Considering that the disregard and infringement of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular of the right to freedom of thought, conscience or faith, have brought, directly or indirectly, wars and great suffering to mankind, especially where they serve as a means of foreign interference in the internal affairs of other States and amount to kindling hatred between peoples and nations,

Considering that faith is one of the fundamental elements in his conception of life and that freedom of faith should be fully respected and guaranteed,

Considering that it is essential to promote understanding, tolerance and respect in matters relating to freedom of all faiths and to ensure that all faiths are consistent with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the laws of nature and the divine right,

Convinced that freedom of faith should also contribute to the attainment of the goals of world peace, social justice and friendship among humans and to the Abolition of ideologies or practices of all forms of discrimination,

Concerned by manifestations of intolerance and by the existence of discrimination in matters of faith still in evidence in some areas of the world,

Resolved to adopt all necessary measures for the speedy abolition of such intolerance in all its forms and manifestations and to prevent and combat discrimination on the ground of faith,

Proclaims this Declaration on the abolition of All Forms of violence, Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on faith:

Article 1

1. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and faith. This right shall include freedom to have a faith of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his faith in worship, observance, practice and teaching.

2. No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have a faith of his choice.

3. Freedom to manifest one's faith may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.

Article 2

1. No one shall be subject to discrimination by any State, institution, group of persons, or person on the grounds of their faith.

2. For the purposes of the present Declaration, the expression "intolerance and discrimination based on faith" means any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on faith and having as its purpose or as its effect nullification or impairment of the recognition, enjoyment or exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis.

Article 3

Discrimination between human beings on the grounds of faith constitutes an affront to human dignity and a disavowal of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the Laws of Nature and the Divine Rights and shall be condemned as a violation of the human rights and fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and enunciated in detail to the International community, and as an obstacle to friendly and peaceful relations between nations.

Article 4

1. All States must take effective measures to prevent and eliminate discrimination on the grounds of faith in the recognition, exercise and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms in all fields of civil, economic, political, social and cultural life.

2. All States must make all efforts to enact or rescind legislation where necessary to prohibit any such discrimination, and to take all appropriate measures to combat intolerance on the grounds of faith in this matter.

Article 5

1.With consideration for the moral education they believe the child ought to get, the child's parents or legal guardians, if applicable, have the freedom to discuss their beliefs with the family.

2.Given the moral education that a kid should receive, every child will have the freedom to receive an education on a variety of faiths and shall not be forced to accept a teaching on any one faith against their will.

3. The child shall be protected from any form of discrimination on the ground of faith. He shall be brought up in a spirit of understanding, tolerance, friendship among peoples, peace and universal brotherhood, respect for freedom of faith of others, and in full consciousness that his energy and talents should be devoted to the service of his fellow human.

4. In the case of a child who is not under the care either of his parents or of legal guardians, due consideration shall be taken of their expressed wishes or of any other proof of their wishes in the matter of faith, the best interests of the child being the guiding principle.

5. Practices of a faith in which a child is brought up must not be injurious to his physical or mental health or to his full development, taking into account article 1, paragraph 3, of the present Declaration.

Article 6

In accordance with article 1 of the present Declaration, and subject to the provisions of article 1, paragraph 3, the right to freedom of thought, conscience, or shall include, inter alia , the following freedoms:

( a ) To worship or assemble in connection with a faith, and to establish and maintain places for these purposes;

( b ) To establish and maintain appropriate charitable or humanitarian institutions;

( c ) To make, acquire and use to an adequate extent the necessary articles and materials related to the rites or customs of a faith;

( d ) To write, issue and disseminate relevant publications in these areas;

( e ) To teach a faith in places suitable for these purposes;

( f ) To solicit and receive voluntary financial and other contributions from individuals and institutions;

( g ) To train, appoint, elect or designate by succession appropriate leaders called for by the requirements and standards of any faith;

( h ) To observe days of rest and to celebrate holidays and ceremonies in accordance with the precepts of one's faith;

( i ) To establish and maintain communications with individuals and communities in matters of faith at the national and international levels.

Article 7

Nothing in the present Declaration shall be construed as restricting or derogating from any right defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Laws of Nature, the Divine Rights.