Vatican’s permanent observer at UN Geneva speaks on Religious Liberty

(12-03-2011) The well recognized right of parents to decide the type of religious education their children should receive takes precedence over any open or indirect imposition by the State This was stressed by Bishop Silvano Maria Tomasi, Vatican’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, speaking at the special session for Human Rights, Thursday, focusing on the theme of religious liberty. Archbishop Tomasi said that the transmission to new generations of a religion is a social enrichment worthy of preservation. Commenting on the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, he said “Every child shall enjoy the right to have access to education in the matter of religion or belief in accordance with the wishes of his parents, or, as the case may be, legal guardians.” Thus education and freedom of religion can reinforce each other keeping the best interest of the child as the guiding principle.. In conclusion Bishop Tomasi added that a fair presentation of different beliefs can prevent the stereotyping of other people’s convictions, and can open to dialogue and to respect of the inalienable dignity of every student, of every believer and of every person.