Academic Council / Civil Society Program in Connection with 2024 Int Ministerial Conference

Invitation to an Academic Discussion on Religious Freedom

You are cordially invited to participate in a two-hour discussion led by the IRF Secretariat Global Academic Council (GAC), under the esteemed leadership of Council Co-Chairwomen, Dr. Jocelyne Cesari and Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon. This event aims to engage scholars and government officials in a meaningful dialogue on the critical role of religious freedom in shaping policy and guiding NGOs.

The GAC is committed to ensuring that discussions on religious freedom are well-informed, balanced, and reflective of the nuanced realities of today's world. By providing clear, evidence-based guidance, we aim to uphold the principles of religious freedom and promote a just and equitable society.

Key Areas of Focus:

-Clarifying Terms and Concepts:Establish clear definitions for key terms related to religious freedom.

- Security: Analyze the relationship between extremism and violence, and the role of state security policies in perpetuating extremism.

- Post 9/11 Context and Religious Freedom: Examine the impact of post-9/11 security measures on religious freedom and advocate for its protection against utilitarian state agendas.

- Cross Tradition Analysis: Encourage comparative and inter-traditional studies on religious freedom.

- Religious Pluralism: Investigate the state's role in regulating religious freedom within a context of religious pluralism.

Your insights and expertise will be invaluable to this discussion as we work together to address these critical issues. We look forward to your participation in this important event.

Host or Publisher IRF Secretariat