Guatemala City, Oct 25 (AGN).- Leaders from different churches in the country participated in the multi-religious table, which was led by the President Alexander Giammattei.
Robin Garcia, presidential commissioner for religious freedom, recalled in his speech that during the 50th General Assembly of American States (OAS) October 27 was ratified as International Religious Freedom Day.
Today we commemorate, promote and urge religious freedom, since through it good treatment is promoted in society. In addition, the government is encouraged to pass legal protections for the religious practices of all Guatemalans, Garcia said.
In addition, Garcia stated that religious freedom is fundamental to the country’s identity.
As part of the commemoration of the day, he also recalled that article 36 of the Political Constitution of the Republic points out that the exercise of all religions is free.
In addition, said article says that everyone has the right to practice their religion or belief, both in public and in private, through teaching, worship and observance. This with no limits other than public order and the respect due to the dignity of the hierarchy and to the faithful of other faiths.
In his speech he added that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in its article 18 it indicates that every person has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
This right includes the freedom to change his religion or belief, as well as the freedom to manifest his religion or belief, individually and collectively, both in public and in private, through teaching, practice, worship and observance, he stated. .
#Live | @apRobinGarciapresidential commissioner for Religious Freedom: “Article 36 of the Political Constitution of the Republic of Guatemala says that the exercise of all religious is free… We want to wish you a happy Religious Freedom Day.”@JulioM_AGN pic.twitter.com/WCcu8xOrRO
— AGN (@AGN_news) October 25, 2022
Religious leaders
The activity was also attended by Jorge H. Lopezrepresentative of the Christian Fraternity of Guatemala, who highlighted the efforts made by the Government of Guatemala to bring together the multi-religious table.
It is a great initiative of President Alejandro Giammattei and it has given us the opportunity to share with leaders of various religions that exist in Guatemala and have the right to freedom of worship, he added.
In an interview, he highlighted that Guatemala is a country mostly believers in God. For this reason, she made the call to continue defending freedom of worship.
Moisés Fuentes, representative of the Apostolic Council of Guatemala, recognized the actions carried out by the central government to promote freedom of worship.
We have to recognize the actions because in Guatemala actions are being taken so that the law is respected and freedom of worship is promoted, which brings unity among different representatives and religious organizations.
Fuentes expressed during the multi-religious table that unity is one of the key aspects to maintain freedom and that faith can be expressed in each sector.
Finally, he remembered that Guatemala, as the Capital ProLife of Latin America, It is a message to the world, since the country respects life, family and freedom of religion.
Luis Camarena, president of the Christian Ministerial Coalition of Guatemala, He said that the progress that Guatemala has made in terms of religious freedom is welcomed.
Guatemala once again stands in the gap with issues for the protection of life, family and the declaration of religious freedom, added Camarena.
#Live | The meeting of the members of the multi-religious table takes place in the Patio de la Vida of the National Palace of Culture and is attended by the president @DrGiammattei.
📹 @JulioM_AGN. pic.twitter.com/7j37NYAEQ8
— AGN (@AGN_news) October 25, 2022
Reading of the declaration
At the multi-religious table, Ligia Briz, from the Family Matters Association, read out the joint statement by the International Religious Freedom Day.
The joint statement is supported by the Cabinet of President Alejandro Giammattei, religious communities and leaders. In addition, by the Public Ministry, the Judicial Body, the Comptroller General of Accounts, the Attorney General’s Office and the Human Rights Ombudsman.
Likewise, by decentralized, autonomous entities, the private sector and the international community.
Among the aspects, the document details the following:
- We believe that the multi-religious table, convened at the initiative of President Alejandro Giammattei, fosters common ground to strengthen the concept. Likewise, the understanding and implementation of these fundamental rights.
- We hope that the years to come will be more humane, more dignified, more just, more prosperous and more peaceful for all.
- We believe that religious freedom benefits society because it produces moral values necessary for democracy and governance. In addition, because it promotes unity, it promotes constructive consensus, always respecting majorities and minorities. It also promotes peace, reduces social conflict and integrates the family and values life.
- We believe that religious freedom protects other rights because it begins internally, in the conscience that no government can control, force or violate; because consciousness responds to a higher power.
- Finally, the multi-religious table congratulated President Alejandro Giammattei for his determined defense of life, family and religious freedom.
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