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Faith Freedom International
The
following is the mission statement of
Faith Freedom
International
that was proposed in its first gathering in New York on Sep 16 and 17. 2001. We believe that all societies (especially Islamic) have been shackled to the medieval practices and rituals enforced by religious leaders and their surrogates. This has resulted in a lack of respect for the rights of individuals, which is largely reflected in the unwillingness of the people in authority to respect alternative viewpoints and constructive dialogue.
Faith Freedom
International
(FFI) promotes freedom of expression,
thought, belief, scientific inquiry, artistic creativity, moral choice, freedom
of conscience and religion – including but not limited to the freedom to
change or reject one’s religion or belief. We do not accept any laws of
blasphemy and we demand that such punitive, anti-human laws be abolished from
all countries, wherever they may be in place. Faith Freedom
International has been formed to uphold the humanistic values of tolerance,
equality, respect for human rights, freedom of belief and freedom from belief. We are committed to the ideals of a democratic society, and a secular state that does not promote any religion, religious institution, or any religious dogma. This includes the right of all children to a secular education. The basis for the legal authority should be in human laws, not in religious doctrine or religious law such as Sharia, or in putative divine revelation (such as the Koran). We therefore favour the firm separation of religion and state. Without such separation there can be no freedom from tyranny, and such a separation is the sine qua non for a secular state. We endorse the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Human Rights without qualification. We are particularly concerned regarding the promotion and protection of the rights of women and minorities. We demand the elimination of compulsory veiling. All should be equal under the law.
Officials The participants to the first meeting of the organization elected the officials of the Foundation. Here are the individuals and their respective roles.
The
officials as well as the members of the Faith Freedom International come from
different religious backgrounds and nationalities residing in different
countries. As this body grows with the induction of new members, accordingly
responsibilities of specific functions will be allocated to other members based
on need at appropriate times. It is gratifying to know
that Ms Mina Farah has volunteered to offer our organization an Official space,
and address along with a telephone and a Fax number. Her gesture is a tremendous
booster for our cause, and we appreciate her help. It is important to let you
know that the Council of International Humanists of which Mr. Paul Kurtz is the
director, provided us all the support and help with respect to logistics,
funding, publicity and above all his moral support. We thank him for the
hospitality he showered upon us, as we all are indebted to his generosity. Hats
off to valiant freethinkers for being forthright and courageous enough to shed
all inhibitions and declare holy “jihad” against the intolerance of Islamic
teachings! Bishnu Dey Read the First statement of Faith Freedom International to the Muslims of the World Call To The Muslims Of The World
On Bangladesh Statement from Faith Freedom International The Faith Freedom International is expressing its deep concern at the recent developments in South Asia. The fanatic Islamic fundamentalists led by the Taliban and Osama bin Laden's Al Qaeda are menace to human civilization. These organizations' heinous crimes and anything similar must be challenged and their global ambition must be thwarted. Faith Freedom Internationalis supporting all actions against Al Qaeda's network. We also urge all the parties to refrain from harming the innocent Afghan civilians in the conflict. In the same perspective of the right of dignity and safety of common civilians, we urge Bangladesh Government to practically acknowledge and appreciate the human and civil rights of its religious minority, the Bangladeshi Hindus and others. We call the BD Government to protect the sanctity of the lives of all minority citizens of BD immediately. We also call everybody to characterize the concepts of "Majority" and "Minority" on any basis in a modern democratic country as a deterrent of human progress on this planet.
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