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The state of religious freedom in Europe is under scrutiny, as Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) reports that governmental restrictions are at their peak in the last twenty years. This trend reflects a shift towards what is termed as “managerial” secularism.
The concept of managerial secularism suggests governmental neutrality on religious matters. However, HRWF notes an increasing involvement of the state in dictating the conditions under which religious expressions are allowed in public spaces.
This situation often affects religious minorities, as highlighted by the French prohibitions on religious symbols in public schools and full-face veils in public arenas.
The issue isn’t isolated to minority faiths. For instance, Bread of Life Community Church recently encountered opposition from Colchester City Council regarding the amplification of sound during public preaching, which escalated to concerns over the content being preached.
HRWF suggests that similar constraints are placed on religious activities, such as prayers and processions, which are only allowed at specific times and locations.
The organization remarks, “These events are not banned because they threaten public order, but because they are seen as unfitting for a ‘neutral’ public space. Each measure is presented as neutral, yet together they give governments much more control over religious life.”
Such limitations are reportedly fueled by concerns over terrorism, immigration, and the growing visibility of Islam in Europe.
The aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001 also spurred the “New Atheist” movement, with figures like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens citing the attacks to argue against the dangers of religious beliefs.
HRWF critiques the evolving form of secularism as a mechanism to exclude religion from public life, rather than serving as a means to ensure freedom of conscience for all.
The group points out that minority faiths are particularly vulnerable, while majority faiths are often perceived as part of cultural heritage and thus more acceptable.
HRWF urges European nations to reinforce protections for religious freedom. “Secularism should be an impartial framework that makes space for different convictions, not an ideology that tries to strip public life of religion,” they stated.
“If Europe is serious about human rights, it cannot treat FoRB [Freedom of Religious Belief] as optional.
“FoRB is a key safeguard that protects democracy from the very fear‑driven politics that now endanger it. It is part of the European values politicians so often talk about.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
