Framework for religious democracy !

A discussion held at Pennammabhanam, organized by the Ecumenical Charitable Trust(TECT) , on 17 September 2010, discussed the need to establish a framework for religious democracy

A discussion on Time to Regulation Religions: Towards a level playing field was held at Pennammabhavanam, Tiruvalla (September 17, 2010). The discussion was organized by The Ecumenical Chartiable Trust (TECT). Discussions were based upon the paper presented by Dr.Perumal Koshy on the topic “ need to regulate religions”. By presenting the topic, he said,’ the time has come for the State to intervene and introduce more effective instruments to better regulate religions, as part of state’s diversity management policy. Religions are no more limiting their activities where they should. Considering the sensitive nature of religion and their related organizations, regulating them is often a difficult matter for the governments. The government may set up a new ministry or department with adequate powers, headed by a well represented body from all religions. This body should be empowered for developing a policy on religious matters and should deal with all aspects related to religions from definition of religions; policies regarding management of religious agencies and organizations; conversion etc. In short, this body should facilitate freedom of religion; right to practice religion; right to covert etc.” Also, he questioned the relevance of minority rights and called for abolishing as it would no way benefit the minorities or benefited them apart from contributing to deeply communalizing Indian society, particularly Kerala Society.

Earlier, Herald of India published an article titled Time to Regulate Religions: Towards a level playing field which could be accessed at http://heraldofindia.com/article.php?id=532. A large part of the discussions were based on that article. 15 people participated in the discussions.

While participating in the discussions, Rev. Dr. R.C Thomas observed that the political and business powers often misuse religion for their benefit. Hence it is not fully correct to blame religions alone. Prof. Mammen George pointed out it is difficult to distinguish between religion and faith. Mr. K. M Thomas pointed out that attempting to regulate religions would be counterproductive as it would provide the state with one more weapon to curb freedom and the rights of the citizens. Partially agreeing with this, Prof. Mammen George suggested that it would be better to specifically identify various legal-constitutional clauses that would potentially subvert the cordial relationship between religions, society, the State and individuals thereby religion could emerge as extra-constitutional-judicial force.

Mr. P Sherfudeen of Commonwealth human rights initiative, said that while most of the issues raised are serious and need to be addressed, whereas what kind of regulatory framework has to be instituted would be the crucial question. He also highlighted the need for civil society groups coming on a common platform to highlight and raise such issues. In this context, he shared some of the developments with regard to activism related to right to information act and human rights.

Mr. Thambu George said, what is required is better cooperation and understanding between religions. Mr. Binu Cheriyan pointed the recent incident where, a bishop organized an Ifttar party and observed that a good spirit of brotherhood needs to be promoted between religions. Further he called upon the need to develop a consensus theology. Mr. Satayn TM pointed out the colossal extravaganza in which the religious leadership is involved and called for regulating such kind overindulgences and their political and business nexus.

Mr. Joy Joseph while participating in the discussions, mentioned about the earlier debates about religion and secularism. He opined that the better regulators would be religions themselves in a spirit of cooperation, love and justice. Mr. Johnson Kumarakam argued whatever the role present mainstream religions play have nothing to do with those marginalized communitis, Dalits or Adivasi communities. He further pointed out that religions are keener on enhancing and consolidating each’s position further in the socio-economic, political and power realms.

Rev. Dr. R.C Thomas said that it is better to provide religious education at the primary school level rather than at the university or college level.

Ms. Ragimole KR said, religions are no more limited to temples, churches or mosques. All of them have large number institutions and there is a need to regulate their functioning. Others who participated in the discussions and spoke include Prof. Sam Philip and Mr. Jomon Cheriyan James.

Team Kerala Voices