Religious Oppression &

Discrimination

Religious Oppression &

Discrimination

• Value: Christianity as national religion (e.g. Italy,Germany, United Kingdom)

• Different stories: Anglican Church (UK), Catholic Church, Orthodox (e.g. Greece & Russia), Protestant Church (everywhere in Europe)

• Common in every European country: migrant religions (e.g. Islam, Judaism) => religious minorities

The Past

• 16th century: restriction of Puritanism in UK => escape to American continent

• 20th century: Holocaust (1938~1945)• Discriminating laws in several countries

The Present

• By now religious freedom belongs to every European country‘s constitution

• Discrimination agaínst minorities of any kind is illegal

• Question: • peaceful co-existence?

Comparison to the German Basic Law

In the German Basic Law it is assured that practise of every religion is every individual‘s right.

Article 4[Freedom of Faith and Conscience]

• (1) Freedom of faith and of conscience, and freedom to profess a religious or philosophical creed, must not be infringed.

• (2) The undisturbed practice of religion is guaranteed.

Article 7[School System]

(3) Religious instruction shall form part of the regular curriculum in state schools, with the exception of non-denominational schools. Without prejudice to the state’s right of supervision, religious instruction shall be given in accordance with the tenets of the religious community concerned. Teachers may not be obliged against their will to give religious instruction.