The Third Caribbean Symposium of Religious Freedom

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Religion and belief together form one of the world’s most profound influences. They are vitally important to family life, individual and community identity, and many aspects of culture and society. Religious organizations and religiously motivated people contribute greatly to education, medical care, poverty relief, efforts to eliminate hunger, disaster aid, and helping with a host of other societal needs that are beyond the abilities of government to fully address. Religious beliefs have also been a source of shared values and moral commitments that underpin the rule of law.

Religion’s valuable contributions to society would not be possible without religious freedom. Religious freedom reinforces other fundamental rights, thereby strengthening democratic and pluralistic societies. By respecting people’s right to express diverse opinions and beliefs, religious freedom provides a framework for negotiating and reducing social conflicts. In fact, research has shown that societies with higher degrees of religious freedom also enjoy greater economic and educational development, higher income levels, less corruption, and stronger democratic institutions. In short, religious freedom is a force for peace and stability in the world.

Given the importance of freedom of religion or belief in society, the Third Caribbean Symposium on Religious Freedom is being convened to address the theme of “Promoting mutual respect, human dignity, and peace.”