Religious Discrimination - Churches Together in Britain and Ireland

Churches have affirmed their opposition to religious discrimination on the basis of their commitment to religious liberty and social justice. This report sets out some of the issues which must be faced in putting those commitments into practice.;What is religious discrimination? How serious a problem is it in the societies of our islands? How can it be overcome? The more we recognize the important part that religion plays in the identity of individuals and communities, the more pressing these questions become.;European Union member states are already committed to a framework of legislation to outlaw discrimination in employment on the grounds of religion or belief. What might be the shape of such laws, and what are their implications?;This discussion document from the Churches' Commission for Inter Faith Relations provides a starting point for responding to these challenges from an ecumenical Christian viewpoint. The report emphasizes the principle of religious freedom as a central theme in contemporary Christianity, and points to the theological bases for that principle. It also shows some of the ways in which Churches can help to combat religious discrimination, and discusses questions of possible legislation.;The report addresses broad topics such as: the meaning of religious discrimination; Christians and religious freedom; the Church and religious discrimination; and the law and religious discrimination.