Tuesday April 21 2009 / Citizenship
I HAVE A DREAM... Freedom of speech, religion and politics in 15 years?
At the moment the Netherlands seems to be looking for the roots of its own culture. At the same time major social changes are taking place in society: the credit crisis brings uncertainty, but is also seen as a necessity for structural improvement, now that spirituality and choice of life-style play a significant role again in society, but in one in which religions are no longer divided by national borders. People must tolerate other religions, but atheism and secularism also have to recognise the freedom of religion. Religious toleration cannot be maintained by the state: religion has to do with ourselves. It will be no easy task in a globalized society with different groups of citizens and various life-styles.
How does freedom of religion relate to freedom of speech? What is the role of the media in all this? Should government ignore religion because church and state are separated? Or did that approach fail? In other words: what are the common issues that mark the public space of the future?
Is religion still topical in the public domain, or should it be limited to the private domain? Do we give other religions and traditions enough space in our legislation, or should we adjust legislation? What are the international developments, and what do they mean for pluriformity in the city? With Sadik Harchaoui (director Forum), Peter Giesen (Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant) and Atzo Nicolaï (Member Dutch parliament). Moderator: Steve Austen (Permanent Fellow Felix Meritis)
I Have a Dream... is a joint initiative of Felix Meritis and MEXIT and consists of a series of afternoon workshops followed by public lectures in the evening. The series will close in September with a final session and an essay.
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