Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church emphasized the importance of cooperation between the state and religious denominations during a meeting held at the Roman Catholic Episcopal Palace in Oradea on Tuesday.
The meeting, part of the State-Religious Dialogue Commission’s activities, aimed to enhance collaboration between the government and religious institutions.
Patriarch Daniel focused on three main areas of partnership: education, healthcare, and social-philanthropic work. He commended initiatives like “Donate Blood, Save a Life!” and the “Health for Villages” campaign for their positive impact on society.
He also called for legislative changes to give religious denominations exclusive rights to decide how their revered figures are honored, in order to safeguard religious practices and symbols.
The Patriarch expressed optimism that increased cooperation between the state and religious communities would contribute to the development of Romanian society.
The meeting, organized by the Secretariat of State for Religious Affairs, brought together religious leaders and government representatives to address common issues and continue the productive dialogue established earlier this year.
Please see below the complete text of Patriarch Daniel’s message titled “The Activity of the Dialogue Commission Between the State and Religious Denominations is Beneficial for Romanian Society”.
The Activity of the Dialogue Commission Between the State and Religious Denominations is Beneficial for Romanian Society
The ongoing meeting between Romania’s religious denominations’ representatives and the Romanian State representatives at the Roman Catholic Episcopal Palace in Oradea is the third meeting since the establishment of the State-Religious Dialogue Commission on October 2, 2023.
This consultative body plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue and cooperation between the State and religious denominations, which benefits Romanian society.
During the previous meetings, religious representatives raised practical issues they encounter in their work. The Romanian Government has addressed most of these by enacting or amending certain laws, encouraging further dialogue.
Collaboration between the State and recognized religious denominations is essential in education, public health, and social-philanthropic work.
Currently, the Romanian Patriarchate is involved in social-philanthropic and medical projects like the “Donate Blood, Save a Life!” campaign, the “Health for Villages” campaign, and the Cervical Cancer Prevention Campaign. These initiatives must continue and expand for the benefit of society.
Additionally, the Church values the cooperation in preserving and appreciating religious treasures.
The Church suggests a legislative amendment to grant religious denominations the exclusive right to determine how revered individuals are honored, in line with their autonomy and statutes.
This proposed amendment complements existing laws prohibiting religious defamation and incitement to religious hatred.
In conclusion, the Romanian Orthodox Church expresses gratitude to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oradea, the Romanian Government, and the State Secretariat for Religious Affairs for organizing the meeting. They believe that joint activities benefiting the people and society’s development will be facilitated through cooperation between the state and religious denominations.
† DANIEL
Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
Photo: Basilica.ro Files / Mircea Florescu
Source: basilica.ro