Freedom of Religion in Europe

Religion is an informal social-cultural system of rules, moral principles, sacred texts, behaviors, rituals, beliefs, ideologies, taboos, or institutions, which relates humanity to an unseen common bond called’religion,’ through shared experience and symbols, shared symbols, and established ethics and taboos. The word’religion’ is derived from the Latin’religans,’ which means laws. Religions are often a political system with mandated religions and political practices, usually beginning in ancient times with the establishment of monotheistic temples where people gathered to commune with each other, learn about their heritage, and exchange ideas. This process of religion was used as the main religious practice in ancient societies.

Religious tolerance, defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its international customary law, refers to respect for and freedom of religion or belief of members of various religions, in accordance with the ethical convictions of mankind. Religious intolerance, often motivated by religion, usually occurs when religious beliefs are criticized by members of the public in an intolerant manner. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to profess and practice any religion of choice, and to manifest their beliefs according to their own private beliefs. In addition, they have the right to freedom of expression by speech or publication, and to share religious information or practices with others.

The Universal Declaration of the Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights, both guaranty fundamental rights of freedom of religion and belief. They also state that every citizen of a country has the right to religious freedom and the freedom to choose and follow any religion he chooses. The Universal Declaration of the Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights afford protection to those who are discriminated against on the basis of religion, and protect them from acts of violence based on religious intolerance. These declarations encourage governments to protect the rights set forth in these documents.