Hi,
After reading about European Union's members emphasis on secular Turkey's Muslim heritage - and opposition to Turkey's membership of EU on this issue by Austria etc (Hitler was born and brought up in Austria and fought WWI on its behalf - later went to Germany) --- I was rather surprised. It reminded me of the economic boycott of the Jews in Germany by Hitler's Nazis.
At Jefferson Memorial in Washington DC - I saw etched on the walls - the US principle of Right to freedom to practice any faith. Perhaps US is very different that European nations in this regard - and definitely more secular.
I was reminded about Pope Benedict's (a German) comments opposing Turkey's mebership to EU some years back. Now I wonder whether the Pope is a votary of secularism - given that he heads a country. FYI - Vatican is a country with the Pope as its head - which sends diplomats in countries across the globe -some work as religous heads - but seek diplomatic immunity -as currently in Italy when a senior member is inducted in financial fraud.
So if Vatican's members seek diplomatic immunity in other countries - they must be held accountable to the principles of secularism. I wonder if Vatican allows Muslims or Hindus or Buddhists to assemble and practice their faith and build their places of worship etc
Saudi Arabia is considered the most extreme in repressing other religions becos it does not allow all other religions to be practised on its soil.
Any views?
Umesh
To help you stay safe and secure online, we've developed the all new Yahoo! Security Centre.
_______________________________________________ assam mailing list [email protected] http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
