V i e n n a – For the first time since their full recognition in 2013 the Free Churches in Austria („Freikirchen in Österreich“) have joined a dialogue conference at the invitation of the Austrian government State Secretary. As announced after the meeting the 16 churches and religions are resolved to develop further their cooperation in the future, and to both support cohesion in Austrian society, and also intensify the commitment to religious freedom around the world.

State secretary and minister for Integration Sebastian Kurz acknowledged the good tradition of dialogue between the religions in Austria. This has to be intensified, not only to improve the integration of immigrants, but also to support the foreign policy of Austria. „We will make religious freedom an issue, and we want to campaign worldwide for an increased observance of this fundamental human right“, the State Secretary remarked. Kurz encouraged the participating religious leaders to use their worldwide networks for reporting to him directly when cases of violations of religious freedom have to be addressed at an international level.

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn (Vienna) appreciated the new initiative. Respect and esteem of religious convictions are the foundation of any coexistence. Also he underlined that there has to be an open space for religious symbols in public life. The latest discussions about crosses in classrooms, about circumcision, and about headscarves are showing that these rights are not self-evident.

The Chairman of the Council of the Free Churches, Baptist General Secretary Walter Klimt (Vienna) highlighted the Baptist understanding, that religious freedom is including the freedom to change and/or to leave a religion or faith. This right is being violated in many countries.

The Free Churches of Austria include five church bodies of 19.000 members altogether (Baptists, Evangelicals, Pentecostals, Mennonites, Elaia free churches). The Baptist Union numbers 1500 members in 25 churches.