US State Department representatives received by Romanian Orthodox Patriarch; religious freedom on meeting agenda

Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church (BOR) received on Thursday Riley Barnes, Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom at the US Department of State and Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, with the talks focusing on the complex and tense geopolitical and religious situation in various regions of the world.According to a press release from the Department for Christian, Interfaith Relations and Romanian Communities Abroad within the Patriarchal Administration of the Romanian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Daniel said during the meeting, held at the Patriarchal Residence, that religious freedom in Romania is guaranteed by Article 29 of the Constitution, which protects freedom of conscience and religious belief for all citizens.The Patriarch highlighted that the Law on Religious Denominations stipulates that the Romanian state recognises their spiritual, educational, social-charitable and cultural roles, as well as their role as social partners and as factors contributing to social peace. He also underlined the important role played by the Romanian Orthodox Church and other recognised churches and religious denominations in Romania's national history and in the life of Romanian society.'His Beatitude emphasised that the Romanian Orthodox Church constantly prays for peace throughout the world and for a wise, just and lasting resolution of conflicts, particularly the conflict in Ukraine, with Romania having received many Ukrainian refugees whom it provides with material and spiritual assistance,' the source said.For his part, the US guest expressed his admiration for the faith and traditions of the Romanian people and highlighted the complex and tense geopolitical and religious situation in various regions of the world, including the armed conflict in Romania's neighbourhood, the press release says.Patriarch Daniel and Ambassador Barnes also pointed to the numerous challenges facing contemporary societies, particularly among young people, such as multiple addictions, individualism and increasing loneliness. In this context, Patriarch Daniel stressed the importance of responsible freedom, protecting human dignity, solidarity, and dialogue between religions and communities.The meeting was also attended by US Ambassador to Romania Darryl Nirenberg, along with representatives of the US Department of State and the US diplomatic mission in Bucharest.