Purpose:
Promote attitudes of respect for religious diversity by involving representatives of religious communities in the representatives of religious communities in the shared management of religious diversity.
Stimulus/Rationale:
In line with the purposes and principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and in particular the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion contained in its Article 18, the Plan de Convivencia Ciudadana Intercultural 2019-2023 (Plan for intercultural coexistence) of the City Council of Valladolid acknowledges the importance of intercultural dialogue, and specifically interreligious dialogue, as an instrument to promote respect and understanding among individuals, groups and communities belonging to the different religions denominations represented in the city.
Process:
The city set up the Religious Management Board, composed of 11 religious denominations, which is an inclusive space for reflection and development of actions promoting religious freedom and worship in a diverse society. The Religious Management Board aims to promote knowledge and recognition among the religious denominations themselves, as well as at an institutional and social level, fostering the agreement of religious leaders in the establishment of common objectives that make religious diversity visible and prevent discriminatory attitudes.
Valladolid constantly works on the implementation of various actions which aim to foster inter-religious relations and peaceful coexistence:
- The First Municipal Congress on Diversity Management was held and the Valladolid Plural programme was developed by the city in cooperation with various foundations with a view to raise awareness and knowledge about religious diversity in the city and its social, cultural and sociological implications.
- The city organised a training regarding the existing religious diversity and its management in the city with the participation of 16 municipal professionals. Another training session, aimed at political leaders of the City Council, involving 4 councillors, was held.
- Valladolid adhered, by agreement of the Municipal Plenary on 13 April 2021,to the network of Municipalities for Tolerance and its Charter for the Municipal Management of Religious Diversity: the city is committed to orient municipal management to the fulfilment of a series of principles and objectives, among them the recognition of religious diversity in the municipality.
- For the fifth consecutive year, Valladolid City Council continues to support the #ValldolidPlural Project, managed by various social entities in the city, which promotes coexistence and respect for the right to freedom of religion and worship.
- The exhibition "Ni nueva, Ni ajena" (Neither new, nor alien) was held, which deals with the historical presence of the different religious denominations in Spain and in Valladolid.
- In 2022, a technical conference was held on "Religious pluralism in Spain and Valladolid in the 19th and 20th centuries".
- Educational centres in the city have been offered the educational activities "Changing the Framework", which highlight the value of respect for religious freedom.
Key reference documents: Charter for the Municipal Management of Religious Diversity
