Dominican Republic: Adventist leader challenges religious organizations to promote beliefs and practice good citizenship
April 24, 2012 – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic…Libna Stevens/IAD
Pastor Israel Leito, president of International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) for the Inter-American region, spoke today to more than 800 delegates on the definition of moderate secularism versus militant secularism. He made his comments during the first day of the 7th IRLA World Congress in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
“Moderate secularism tends to promote strongly the separation of church and state, and therefore facilitate religious freedom for all,” said Pastor Leito.
Although secularism and secular societies have done much to guarantee equality in religion and religious freedom of various kinds, “there are still pockets of democratic countries in the [Inter-American] territory where officially there are state religions, and other religious organizations, while not banned or persecuted, are merely tolerated,” Pastor Leito said.
Pastor Leito pointed out that moderate secularism has done much to promote equality of religion and religious freedom in many places, yet leaders and organizations must be vigilant “for today’s moderate secularism may well turn into militant secularism and turn the authority of state on all religious organizations, or at least the potential exists of favoring one religious group over others,” he said.
It’s a practice he has seen throughout the Inter-American region which comprises of countries from Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, the French Guiana, Colombia and Venezuela.
“Religious organizations,” he told the crowded auditorium, “must realize they have a debt to the society where they are active.”
He further challenged religious organizations to preach not only their beliefs but also to be good citizens, and promote peace, well-being, and harmony among citizens.
The 7th IRLA World Congress will continue until April 26, 2012.
For more news, information and view photos of the event, go to www.irla.org
