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26 June 2008, 15:37The Russian Church hopes to discuss the document on human rights adopted by the Bishops' Council with human rights activists
Moscow, June 26, Interfax - The Moscow Patriarchate states that it is ready for a full-scale discussion with Russian and international human rights activists about The Basic Principles of the Russian Church Teaching on Human Dignity, Freedom and Rights adopted Thursday by the Bishops' Council.
"I hope that secular institutions, authorities, and international bodies will study it [the document of human rights adopted by the Council - IF] and express their opinions, commentaries and criticism, Fr. Vsevolod Chaplin, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate Department for External Church Relations said Thursday at the briefing in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
He stated that The Basics is "the church document, in the first instance" adopted "with a view to be used by priests and laity in their social activity, discussions and teaching of social disciplines."
At the same time, the document "will be proposed for discussion to our partners in dialogue, other Christian confessions and religions, the secular world and international organizations," said Fr. Vsevolod.
"We cannot and should not impose on the secular world the understanding of human rights as it is viewed by the Church, but we propose this vision for general discussion," Fr. Vsevolod said.
According to the authors of the Orthodox vision of human rights released Thursday, "blasphemy shall not be justified by the rights of artist, writer or journalist." Under the pretence of human rights protection, civilizations "should not impose their lifestyle patterns on other civilization" and the human rights protection "should not serve interests of certain countries."
"The right to education provides for gaining knowledge with a view to cultural traditions and visions of a family and a person. Most world religions are based on religion, therefore, any comprehensive education and upbringing should include the basics of religion which created the culture where such person lives," the Basics read.
The document also states that private life, vision and people's will should not be subject to "total control". "Manipulation of people's conscience and choice by government agencies, political powers, economic and information elites is dangerous for the society. It is also unacceptable to collect, concentrate and use information on any aspects of person's life without his/her consent," the Basics' authors believe. |
