Last week, the Chamber of Deputies approved a law establishing May 16 as the National Day of Religious Freedom and the Contribution of Religious Denominations to Romanian Society. The Senate passed the bill at the end of last year, and the law’s final version was submitted on Wednesday to the Secretary-General for potential constitutional review.
May 16 was chosen for its historical significance: on this day in the year 2000, all recognized religious denominations in Romania signed a joint declaration at Snagov supporting the country’s accession to the European Union and NATO.
The law allows for the organization of cultural, religious, and educational events dedicated to religious freedom, the relationship between the state and religious communities, and the role of these communities in Romanian society’s well-being.
Central and local government authorities may coordinate such events with religious denominations, religious associations, and civil society organizations.
Religiosity as a Foundation for the Common Good
Romania’s religious denominations proposed establishing this national day during their April 10, 2024, meeting with representatives from the State Secretariat for Religious Affairs and other governmental institutions.
The statement of reasons accompanying the law highlights that, amid the global rise of extremist or isolationist trends, increasing religious literacy can significantly contribute to social peace, dialogue, and cooperation — especially in Romania, where more than 99% of the population declares religious affiliation.
“Religious freedom is one of the fundamental human rights, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the Romanian Constitution,” write the law’s initiators.
“Conscious of the need to harness the religious vitality of Romanian society in the service of the common good, the Romanian state is committed to strengthening its partnerships with religious denominations as key actors of civil society.”
The creation of the National Day of Religious Freedom and the Contribution of Religious Denominations is presented as part of Romania’s strong commitment to a future in which religious freedom is respected and protected alongside all other fundamental rights.
Photo: Basilica.ro Files / Raluca Ene
