Category Archives: International Religious Freedom


COMECE supports an ambitious and coherent human rights’ policy based on the transcendent dignity of every human being.
While embracing the vision that the fundamental and inalienable right to religious freedom is the cornerstone of all human rights, it supports the view that EU decision-makers and officers should pay special attention to this fundamental right, in particular in its external relations.
To promote religious freedom and more generally, peace, justice and liberty, COMECE is also involved in ecumenical, intercultural and interreligious dialogues.
EU External Affairs, International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE advocates for peaceful transition in Syria

“The bishops of the European Union are closely monitoring developments in Syria and express their hope for an orderly and peaceful transition of power. COMECE urges the new regime to reject sectarianism and extremism while embracing the contributions and unique identities of the many ethnic and religious minorities that enrich the Middle Eastern nation. Furthermore, they call for the protection of religious temples and sites … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE regrets conversion of Church of Saint Savior in Chora into a mosque: “Another major blow to Interreligious Dialogue”

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) commented on Thursday, 23 May 2024, regarding the recent implentation of the decision by Turkish authorities to transform the Church of Saint Savior in Chora into a mosque. “This step further dilutes the historical roots of the Christian presence in the country. Any interreligious dialogue initiative promoted by Turkish authorities loses credibility”. Four years … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

EP Resolution on attacks against Christians in Nigeria: COMECE highlights Religious dimension

COMECE welcomes the resolution of the European Parliament adopted on Thursday, 8 February 2024, condemning recent attacks against Christians in Nigeria. COMECE: “The resolution, however, downplays the religious dimension of the conflict”. The Resolution adopted by the European Parliament condemns the massacre committed on 23-25 December 2023, when gunmen launched a large-scale attack in more than 160 villages in the Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Magu … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

Event

EVENT | “Syria – Humanitarian and Development Challenges of Faith Based Actors”

COMECE, L’Œuvre d’Orient and Aid to the Church in Need invite you to participate in the conference “Syria – Humanitarian and Development Challenges of Faith Based Actors: A Christian Perspective”, to take place at the COMECE Secretariat, (Square de Meeûs 19, Brussels), on Monday, 12 June 2023, from 17:00 to 19:00 (CET). Registration is now open! The conference is organised as a “side event” to … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

News

Nigerian Bishop Mgr. Kukah in Brussels to dialogue with EU and Church representatives

The Bishop of Sokoto, H. E. Mgr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, visited the Secretariat of COMECE on Tuesday, 16 May 2023, to participate in a dialogue meeting with EU and Church representatives on the current situation in Nigeria. The meeting resulted in a fruitful discussion on Nigeria’s challenges following the presidential elections held on 25 February 2023. Mgr. Kulak highlighted the positive role of healthy public … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Cardinal Hollerich demands the release of Bishop Rolando and the other detainees in Nicaragua

The President of COMECE, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich sj., expresses the solidarity of the EU Bishops to the Catholic Church in Nicaragua which is facing deep distress due to State persecution. Cardinal Hollerich: “Release Mgr. Rolando Álvarez and the other detainees”. Read the letter In a letter addressed to H.E. Mgr. Carlos Enrique Herrera Gutiérrez, OFM, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Nicaragua, on Monday 6th … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

EU Bishops congratulate the new EU Special Envoy on FoRB and call on the EC to provide adequate resources

The Bishops of the European Union welcome the appointment of Frans van Daele as EU Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the EU, made public on Wednesday 7 December 2022 by EC Vice-President Margaritis Schinas. Cardinal Hollerich: “We congratulate Mr van Daele and we are ready to cooperate with him. We call on the European Commission to provide adequate resources … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Statement | COMECE ahead of EP motion for resolution on the persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion

In view of the today’s vote of the European Parliament’s motion for resolution on the persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion, the General Secretary of COMECE, Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, has made the following statement: “The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion as well as the inherent right to life are fundamental human rights recognized in international law. They … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom

Online event on exposing sexual exploitation of women that targets vulnerable religious communities

Jihadist terrorism has shifted the focus of its operations to sub-Saharan and Indian Africa, and to the regions of Asia bordering the equator, while continuing its presence in the Middle East. This phenomenon has also a dimension that affects women as a group exposed to sexual violence, exploitation, and enslavement. In many cases, these women belong to vulnerable religious communities. This is not just exploitation … Continue reading »