Vol. 19 Núm. 1 (2025): Derecho en Sociedad
ENSAYOS / ESSAYS

Freedom of Conscience and Religion in the Americas: Following OAS General Assembly resolutions to promote pluralism and strengthen communities

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  • Emily A Cole
DOI: https://doi.org/10.63058/des.v19i1.316

Publicado 2025-03-31

Palabras clave

  • OAS ,
  • pluralism ,
  • sacred sites ,
  • places of worship ,
  • religious freedom ,
  • community engagement ,
  • interfaith dialogue ,
  • cultural heritage framework
    • ...Más
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Cómo citar

Cole, E. A. (2025). Freedom of Conscience and Religion in the Americas: Following OAS General Assembly resolutions to promote pluralism and strengthen communities. Derecho En Sociedad, 19(1), 203–213. https://doi.org/10.63058/des.v19i1.316

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Resumen

This article aims to highlight the directive placed on OAS member states to engage with the topic
of freedom of conscience and religion or belief in a meaningful way through promoting pluralism.
By its own language, this is to occur through (1) refocused efforts to protect places of worship
and sacred sites, (2) building on or developing inclusive mechanisms through public policy aimed
at promoting tolerance and peace, and (3) by engaging in regional or international forums that
provide a platform for discussing best practices. This essay analyzes the language of the General
Assembly Resolution that deals with this topic and suggests useful mechanisms and regional
forums for member states to engage with. It also provides a framework under which to work and
better discuss the concept within the Inter-American System. It is important to recognize the
ways promoting pluralism (through protection of places of worship and sacred sites) strengthens
community engagement with government leaders and equips individuals and groups to confront
unjust laws, foster interfaith dialogue, and better protect human rights. By exploring aspects of
engagement and the benefits they create, the OAS can better lead on issues

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Referencias

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