Liberalism and Religion, to believe or not to believe, questions in liberal Europe

dinsdag 2 november 2010

-IDI Annual Liberal Values Conference-

The relationship between liberalism and religion has often been discussed. It is not always clear how they relate to each other, for example seen from the perspective of the secular state. The key note speech will present an overview of different (European) concepts of and experiences with secularism, liberalism and politics. MEP Sophie in 't Veldand Professor of International Relations Ali Carcoglu will respond to this speech from the political and academic perspective. In the afternoon conference splits up in working groups that will discuss

- The role of religion in conflict situations

- Freedom of speech vs. freedom of religion

- The Secularization myth: are we as secular as we think

- Religious symbols in the public sphere.

A spoken column by Boris van der Ham will conclude the day. For the full programme please go to www.d66.nl/internationaal

The conference is open to D66 members and international guests; the fee is € 15,- and includes lunch, coffee and a concluding reception.

Date: 5 November, 10:00 – 17:00

Location: Jewish Historical Museum

Registration: idi@d66.nl

Our special guests for this conference are members from liberal parties or likeminded civil society organizations in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Turkey, Montenegro and Kosovo.