We, the undersigned,


Whereas

- the right to freedom of religion, to change religion, to manifest religious beliefs in worship and to religious association are rights recognised by the international, European and national law on human rights and fundamental freedoms

- the principles of lay State, of separation and independence between the State and the Churches, of equality and non discrimination between citizens, and consequently between the different religions and Churches, are the basis of democracy and the rule of law,

- the European Union comprises, notably in the perspective of enlargement, citizens of different nationalities, provenance, language, race and religion or belief, in the common aim of assuring peace, progress and prosperity to everybody


ask the Convention and its members, the Council, national governments and parliaments

- to assure that no direct or indirect reference to any specific religion or belief is included in the future European Convention

- to guarantee the right to freedom of religion, to change religion, to manifest religious beliefs in worship and to religious association, together with the principles of lay State, of separation and independence between the State and the Churches.