Religious Freedom also in Social Commitment and Media: Archbishop Tomasi

(October 10, 2009) Religious freedom is a crucial element for building common good. This is why religious groups should be free to express themselves in their commitment to society and even by using mass media. The international community must take on this "new perspective" to "face the old and new phenomenon" of religious discrimination. Archbishop Tomasi said that "increasing manifestations of religious intolerance" require the "concerted solution" of the international community. The bishop stressed in particular the importance of an "integrated approach" that could "anchor the debate on religious freedom within the international legal structure” and at the same time movement “towards a comprehensive implementation of existing rules to protect freedom of religion and belief”. For the Vatican representative, the UN Human Rights Council report of the on the phenomena of religious intolerance presented at the twelfth session provides useful input for new steps to be taken along a path that must increasingly recognize the link between the common good, freedom of religion and human rights. These are "the grammar of common good" which incorporates a "broader range of psychological, intellectual, emotional and spiritual well being."
Referring to the discourse of Pope Benedict XVI at the U N the Prelate said that "religious liberty cannot be limited to the free exercise of worship, but has to give due consideration to the public dimension of religion, and hence to the possibility of believers playing their part in building the social order”. For this, the bishop emphasizes the important role played by "the media" and their "contribution to a greater awareness of the dignity and human rights."