Geneva, Switzerland: The World Council of Churches (WCC) has initiated a comprehensive survey to assess the current state of freedom of religion or belief (FORB) among its member churches in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
This initiative, inspired by the discussions at the WCC’s 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany, aims to build a strong foundation for collaborative efforts to protect and promote religious freedom globally.
By mapping the challenges and opportunities faced by member churches, the WCC hopes to develop effective strategies to address the pressing issues related to FORB. The survey will gather valuable insights into the specific needs and priorities of churches in different regions, enabling the WCC to provide targeted support and advocacy.
The findings of the survey will inform the development of a dedicated FORB networking platform, which will facilitate knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and joint action among member churches. This platform will empower churches to work together to address the root causes of religious intolerance and discrimination.
The WCC invites all member churches in the designated regions to participate in the survey, which will remain open until mid-February 2025. The results of the survey will be analyzed and discussed during regional consultations scheduled for early April 2025.
By taking a proactive approach to addressing FORB, the WCC seeks to uphold the fundamental human right to freedom of religion or belief and to promote a world where all people can live in peace and harmony, regardless of their faith.