Subject of the presentation
Religious Freedom in the Post-Religious West

Speaker
Todd Huizinga, Religious Freedom Institute, USA

On May 31, 2023, a three-day international conference entitled “Religious Freedom and Other Human Rights: Threats and Trends” began in Toruń. It was organized as part of the “Laboratory of Religious Freedom” project, carried out by the Pro Futuro Theologiae Foundation, operating within the Faculty of Theology at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń.

The aim of the conference was to discuss the main issues related to the protection and promotion of religious freedom in its intersection with other human rights in different parts of the world, in order to better understand current threats and trends regarding the presence of religion in public life. The organizers are convinced that only through dialogue can a culture based on mutual respect and harmony be built, despite existing differences, including those of a religious nature.

The event brought together numerous scholars, practitioners, and representatives of civil society from around the globe. By presenting an interdisciplinary perspective on the threats to religious freedom and the ongoing trends, participants collectively reflected on how to strengthen the protection and promotion of freedom of religion or belief worldwide, as well as how to prevent their violations.

In today’s global climate of instability, conflicts, and security threats, respect for freedom of religion or belief in public life is a matter of great importance. Far too many religious groups and individuals around the world still face violence, marginalization, and stigmatization on religious grounds.