By Sylvie Admore

It doesn’t take swords and armies, or AK47 Kalashnikovs and military vehicles, to discriminate against someone. All it takes is for one person to treat you unfairly on the basis of your religion.

People of particular religions are often treated not on their own actions or merit, but on narrow stereotypes created by society and the media. Not every Muslim is a suicide bomber. Not every Jew is a banker. Not every Mormon rides a bicycle. Stereotyping is just one of the forms of discrimination many religious people face all over the world. Religious tolerance isn’t just having the freedom to choose what you believe in; it’s also having the freedom to practice your religion without fear of violence or discrimination.

The right to believe
Thankfully, the global community as a whole is more accepting of religious diversity than ever before. In France 400 years ago, on St. Bartholomew’s Day, the massacres which took the lives of almost one hundred thousand people began. France’s streets ran red with the blood of Huguenots (French Calvinist Protestants) and Catholics alike. In the same country, two hundred years later on 26 August, 1789, the first ever document detailing the rights we have as human beings, The Declaration of the Rights of Man, was approved by the National Assembly. It states: No one shall be made to feel disquieted on account of his opinions, including his religious views. 150 years later, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights signed by most nations, included an article on religious tolerance (see ‘Article 18’ under Learn More).

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance. (Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

Walking the talk
While achievements like this should be acknowledged, we must realise that the fight for religious freedom is not over yet. “When you go through an airport, you know they are going to hardcore check you. [It’s not fair] to say that because you’re wearing a burqa or abaya, that you’ll be hiding weapons.” (Ayeesha, a Muslim girl living in New Zealand). To achieve religious freedom we must go beyond simply talking about acceptance and respect, and begin to practise this locally, nationally and globally. But in order to do this we must have a greater understanding of each other.

Across the world interfaith groups are trying to focus their work and discussions not on differences, but on shared values. The need of the moment is not One Religion, but mutual respect and tolerance of the devotees of the different religions. We want to reach not the dead level, but unity in diversity. The Soul of religion is One but it is encased in a multitude of forms. Truth is the exclusive property of no single set of scriptures. (Mahatma Gandhi).

Embracing difference
All over the world people’s horizons are widening as they are exposed to different cultures and beliefs. In Aotearoa New Zealand, we have to come to terms with the growing presence of a range of religions that are quite new to our country. From 2001 to 2006, the number of Sikhs in New Zealand increased by eighty-three percent, whilst the number of Hindus and Muslims increased by fifty percent. In some cases we are embracing these changes. For example, the annual Diwali Festival (The Festival of Lights) on October 15 is traditionally celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Newar Buddhists. But now hundreds of people with different beliefs gather together to celebrate the religious significance of the festival and our country’s increasing diversity.

Understanding is the key
Today in Aotearoa, and across the world, young people from many cultures and backgrounds learn and play together. We do not all follow the same religion. We may not practice any religion. We do not all celebrate our beliefs in the same way. But we do share a responsibility to increase our knowledge and understanding of those we share our world with and continue the work started in 1789.

We still have a way to go.

TAKE ACTION!

• Join Just Focus and discuss these and other global issues with other young people in Aotearoa www.justfocus.org.nz
• Check out interfaith activities taking place all over the country at www.interfaith.org.nz
• Get involved with the Youth Interfaith Core, a movement of young people building international relationships based on mutual respect and co-operation www.ifyc.org
• Talk to people! Welcome the opportunity to meet people with different beliefs to your own.

LEARN MORE

Take time to find out more about different religions and those who practise them. Check out www.adherents.com, http://pof.reonline.org.uk or www.religionfacts.com
Learn about human rights on the website of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights www.ohchr.org
Read The Statement on Religious Diversity on the NZ Human Rights Commission website www.hrc.co.nz

Article 18
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

This article was originally published in the Global Focus pages of Tearaway Magazine.