In his keynote speech, Konrad Sahlfeld, a lawyer, emphasized that religious neutrality and tolerance on the part of the state do not mean disinterest and complete separation. Rather, it is about recognizing and supporting the various religions in their work for society. The presentation was followed by an interreligious panel discussion, which took up this thesis and drew a positive picture of the cooperation between the state and religious communities in Basel. According to Rabbi Moshe Baumel of the Israelite Community of Basel, individual issues such as burial, the handling of holidays or swimming lessons could be resolved constructively.
It is helpful to explain more and prescribe less, says Liestal City Councilor Marie-Theres Beeler. It was not the handshake itself that mattered, but showing respect - and there were other ways of doing that. The former federal judge Vera Rottenberg Liatowitsch pleaded for allowing more diversity and choosing religious pluralism instead of laicism as a guiding principle. Mustafa Atici, a member of the Basel City Council, also drew a positive conclusion regarding the state recognition of the Alevis. It expresses appreciation and at the same time obliges them to declare themselves publicly through the accountability report. More dialogue and education - the panel moderated by Antonia Moser (Radio SRF) found itself well reflected in this vote of Mazen Abdel-Rahman of the Islamic Cultural Foundation Basel.
The music of Michael Heitzler (clarinet), Christian Gutfleisch (piano) and Ulaş Nesil (saz) gave the evening an upbeat note. The event was organized by an interreligious working group in which Mission 21 was also represented.
Text: Detlef Lienau, Mission 21
