Representatives of religious communities signed a declaration to promote peaceful co-existence

Press release by the Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Education and Culture

The representatives of Christian, Jewish and Shia and Sunni Muslim communities signed today a joint declaration to promote peaceful co-existence in Finland. The meeting held before the signing of the declaration was opened by Minister of the Interior Paula Risikko.

- Finland is still a safe and peaceful country. However, antagonism, tension, hate speech and hate crime have increased. There is a high risk that we get used to hate speech and it becomes 'normal', says Ms Risikko.

By signing the declaration, they want to show that different religious communities can live peacefully together. In their respective communities, they will fight against violence and hate speech and work for peaceful co-existence in society.

Peaceful and constructive interaction among different religions, cultures and population groups is a core topic of our time. Cultural pluralism is enriching and challenging Finnish society in a new way. Our location between the east and the west is our strength.

According to the declaration, to dispel distrust, it is not enough to be just tolerant. It is important for Finnish society to make sure that no individual or community is shut out, and no individual or community should isolate themselves either. As a prosperous and successful nation, Finland needs the contribution of all its inhabitants.

Religions are an asset to society

Religions have an important role to play in maintaining and promoting social cohesion. Our freedom of religion principle, now nearly a century old, encompasses equality, mutual respect and collaboration. This is a good basis for dialogue between religions and beliefs, and it guarantees everyone the freedom to practise their own religion.

Teaching religion and religious literacy are more important than ever before. A lack of knowledge can lead to misapplication of religions both within and outside the religious communities. At its best, instruction in one's own religion prevents extremism, reinforces a healthy sense of identity and improves understanding of other religions. A healthy religious identity does not contribute to radicalisation; it is a defence against it. Religions are an asset to society, not a threat.

This autumn, the Ministry of Education and Culture grants discretionary government transfers for the promotion of dialogue between different religions. This is part of the Ministry's action plan to prevent hate speech and racism and to foster social inclusion, entitled Meaningful in Finland.

Inquiries:

Tarja Mankkinen, Head of Development, Ministry of the Interior, +358 295 488 370, [email protected]
Atik Ali, Chairperson, National Forum for Cooperation of Religions in Finland (CORE), +358 400 680 264, [email protected]
Joni Hiitola, Senior Adviser, Legal Affairs, Ministry of Education and Culture, 0295 330 108, [email protected]