wfn.org | LWF General Secretary Cautions against France's Proposed Law on

["Frank Imhoff" <FRANKI@elca.org>]

LWF General Secretary Cautions against France's Proposed Law on Religious
Symbols 
Letter to President Chirac: Mutual Understanding Cannot be Promoted by Hiding
Differences 

GENEVA, 5 February 2004 (LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General
Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko, has cautioned that the expected introduction
of a law banning the wearing of conspicuous religious signs and dress at
French public schools, rather than serving to promote national integration
and cohesion may lead to greater fragmentation. 

"It may, for example, encourage the proliferation of separate educational
institutions in contra-distinction to and isolated from the rest of the
society. It may play into the hands of those who seek to encourage division
and extremism, and to demonize 'the other,'" Noko wrote in a letter to French
President Jacques Chirac, February 4. 

Noko referred to Chirac's December 17 speech on the secularism debate in
France, and affirmed that harmonious co-existence in a multi-faith society is
a "subtle, precious and fragile balance." The principle of secularism, said
Noko, must not be seen as denying the central importance of religious belief
and practice for many people. "The proposed measure on religious symbols at
state schools, "seems to me to lack the necessary sensitivity to promote and
protect this balance," he remarked. 

The general secretary explained one of the LWF's priorities as "fostering
dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation among people of different
faiths," and noted that intolerance, fundamentalism and conflict grow most
readily in an environment of mutual ignorance, separation and isolation. He
applauded Chirac's declaration that the principle of secularism "expresses
our desire to live together in respect, dialogue and tolerance." But he
pointed out that the objective of dialogue and mutual understanding cannot be
promoted by hiding differences. "On the contrary, differences need to be
explored, understood and valued," Noko said.

It is Noko's hope that in the parliamentary debate that has begun, the
possible consequences of the proposed law for the cohesion of French society
would be fully examined, and "its wisdom [would be] reconsidered." He pointed
out that "it is difficult to see how the wearing of visible signs of
religious affiliation by school children can in any way amount to proselytism
or be oppressive to others." What is done in France, he stressed, could have
"very important effects on the future of inter-religious cooperation and
religious freedom around the world."

Last December, Chirac voiced support for a law that would prohibit the
wearing of conspicuous religious signs in schools. Jewish skull caps, large
Christian crosses, as well as headscarves worn by Muslim girls would be
affected. He was responding to a report by a government commission, headed by
former minister Bernard Stasi, that consulted with a wide cross section of
public opinion including teachers, religious leaders, sociologists and
politicians. Some religious leaders have objected to the idea, but polls
suggest a majority of voters would back such legislation. Debate on the draft
law began in the French parliament February 3, and a vote is expected
February 10. 

Noko said that while individuals and societies have always had multiple
points of reference for the definition of their identity, this reality is
even more pronounced in today's globalized world in which so many societies
are becoming increasingly multicultural. "I believe that it would be a grave
mistake to attempt to create a 'hierarchy of identities,' in which one's
identity as the citizen of a particular country must have precedence over -
or even negate - all other identities, including religious affiliation," Noko
wrote to Chirac.

The general secretary stressed that the laws that govern and regulate today's
societies should reflect the complexity and diversity of the many identities
that are represented. "If they do not reflect this complexity and diversity,
social integration will be jeopardized," he concluded. (625 words)

[The LWF is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran
tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund (Sweden), the LWF now has 136 member
churches in 76 countries representing over 61.7 million of the 65.4 million
Lutherans worldwide. The LWF acts on behalf of its member churches in areas
of common interest such as ecumenical and inter-faith relations, theology,
humanitarian assistance, human rights, communication, and the various aspects
of mission and development work. Its secretariat is located in Geneva,
Switzerland.]

[Lutheran World Information (LWI) is the LWF's information service. Unless
specifically noted, material presented does not represent positions or
opinions of the LWF or of its various units. Where the dateline of an article
contains the notation (LWI), the material may be freely reproduced with
acknowledgment.]

*     *      *

LWI online at: http://www.lutheranworld.org/News/Welcome.EN.html 

LUTHERAN WORLD INFORMATION
PO Box 2100, CH-1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland
Tel: (41.22) 791.63.54
Fax: (41.22) 791.66.30 
Editor's e-mail: pmu@lutheranworld.org