Berlin. Last May 14, 2024, at a pivotal conference held in Berlin, Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, delivered a compelling speech on the crucial role that religious leaders can play in revitalizing European democracies. The conference, titled “How religious leaders can help reinvigorate European democracies”, brought together key figures from various sectors to address the pressing issue of democratic backsliding across the continent, but left out a number of religions that do not were not present. represented.
Berge began his speech by acknowledging the worrying pattern of decline of democracy, mentioning in Europe the increasing restrictions on linguistic freedoms and the divisive impact of populists and nationalists. He cited the case of Russia, where the deterioration of democracy has led to conflict, with Ukraine highlighting the serious consequences of such regression.
“Increasing levels of democratic backsliding have been observed across our continent, with freedoms of expression, association and assembly increasingly restricted,” Berge spoke of the importance of coming to Ukraine’s aid and protecting democracies in Europe.
Berge said the Council of Europe is actively involved in implementing strategies to address these developments, such as initiatives and the introduction of the 10 new principles of democracy, at the Reykjavík Summit. He highlighted the role played by leaders in this endeavor. “The challenge today is how to ask our religious leaders to help combat democratic backsliding and promote a spirit of dialogue and compromise,” Berge noted.
Religious communities, as Berge points out, play a role in society by providing assistance to their members during certain periods and operating community services such as food distribution, shelters and recovery programs. These collaborative efforts with organizations demonstrate the ability of leaders to promote unity within communities and respect democratic principles.
“The question is not whether interfaith dialogue can help reinvigorate democracies, but in what way and with emphasis on which issues,” Berge noted. He called for involvement that goes beyond numbers to include ordinary people, in conversations between different faiths, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration in various spheres.
Berge ended his speech by encouraging individuals and communities to play a leading role in strengthening cohesive and diverse democracies. He also thanked the Italian authorities as well as the Liechtenstein Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe for their help in facilitating this important conversation.
“People of all faiths – and none – enjoy the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion in European democracies. This freedom should be the basis for people of faith to come together and use their extraordinary skills and talents to defend our democracy itself,” Berge said.
The conference is proof of the role that religious leaders are playing in addressing a challenge currently affecting Europe. As the conversations progress, it will be interesting to observe how these leaders mobilize and help revitalize values and institutions across the continent.
Originally published in The European Times.
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