Saturday, September 19, 2009

IRLA Forming in Mongolia

Religious freedom supporters in Mongolia this month moved to form a national chapter of the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA), a step they hope will encourage the government to implement greater principles of freedom of belief.

If officially approved, the new Mongolian Religious Liberty Association -- comprised of religious, government and academia members -- will encourage a more literal interpretation of the nation's constitutional guarantee of religious freedom.

While the government has increasingly adopted democratic principles, some experts say strict control of churches still exists in wake of the country's recent communist past.

"We hope Mongolia will follow the United Nations recommendations for religious freedom and that every religion and believer will live at peace and be respected," said John Graz, IRLA secretary-general.

The possible Mongolia IRLA was suggested at this month's symposium on religious freedom in Mongolia's capital, Ulaanbaatar, on September 9. Among the 50 participants were representatives from academic and government institutions and religious faiths, including Baptists, Buddhists, Catholics, Mormons and Seventh-day Adventists.

"This is an important step in the development of religious liberty in Mongolia," said Paul Kotanko, director of the Adventist Church's Mongolia Mission and local IRLA representative.

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