3rd Round Table of Religions

Organized by the Association for Human Rights, religious communities as well as various government agencies and community representatives met at the premises of the Islamic Community in the Principality of Liechtenstein (IGFL). Bishop Benno Elbs, an official representative of the Archdiocese of Vaduz, was present for the first time. In addition, representatives from the Baha'i community of Liechtenstein, the Christian Orthodox Church Association, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Free Evangelical Community of Schaan, the IGFL, the Islamic Cultural Center of the Bosniaks of Buchs/Liechtenstein, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the Association for an Open Church also took part. The municipality of Schaan was also represented by its head Daniel Hilti.

Numerous interfaith activities and lively exchanges

The first Round Table of Religions took place in 2023. Haus Gutenberg and the VMR invited Liechtenstein's religious communities to get to know each other better in an informal setting. At the same time, the participants developed ideas for interfaith activities. The round table resulted, for example, in a joint excursion to the House of Religions in Bern, a peace concert and last year's "Religion in the Cinema" film festival during Religions.

This year, the main focus was on a review of the religious communities. The participants briefly introduced their religious community. They reported on the highlights of the past twelve months and interfaith activities. At the end, special space was given to the discussion about a Muslim cemetery. Daniel Hilti reported on the current state of affairs and answered questions. Together with the IGFL, common prejudices were also dispelled.

Promoting social cohesion

The aim of the round table is to create a framework for regular exchanges between the various religious communities in Liechtenstein. The aim is to create opportunities to get to know each other, network and engage in joint activities and to make the religious diversity in Liechtenstein visible. The model for this is the Week of Religions in Switzerland, which is always coordinated by the Interreligious Working Group in Switzerland (IRAS COTIS) in the first week of November. The long-term aim is to promote dialog and cooperation between people from different religious and cultural backgrounds. This can break down prejudices and fears, which can contribute to greater social cohesion in Liechtenstein.