Press Release

Published 29.11.2009 Author: SCR

Council of Religions calls for intensification of integration efforts

The Swiss Council of Religions (SCR) considers the approval of the Minaret Initiative as a sign of widespread insecurity and uncertainty among the population. All involved parties must intensify their efforts in the field of integration. The SCR is actively promoting concrete measures.

The Swiss Council of Religions deplores the approval of the referendum to ban the construction of minarets. It does not solve any problems. However, the decision of the Swiss electorate should not be instrumentalized to deduce a general anti-Islamic sentiment; rather, it must be understood as an expression of widespread societal insecurity. Jews, Christians and Muslims must work together with all other groups of society to make an even more resolute stand for the protection of civil rights and liberties, for the dialogue with the Muslim population, and for the path of integration. These are the values that make Switzerland strong.

An active politics of integration needs everybody’s commitment. Political, religious and civil institutions must renew and fortify their efforts to welcome immigrants from other religions and cultures, to inform them about the customs and rules in our country, and to accompany them on the path of integration.

The Swiss Council of Religions calls on everybody to commit to the Swiss value and legal order and to a free and democratic society. The SCR invites the Muslim communities to draw on the experiences of the Christian churches and Jewish communities for the formation of their structures.

Respecting the beliefs of others is the prerequisite for dealing with differences and for living together peacefully. The Swiss Council of Religions strives to continue the dialogue on questions of a shared value and legal order and support it on all levels.

more information on the Council of Religions

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