Vannes: A day for freedom of conscience and religion

On October 26, 2024, the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Vannes organized a day of awareness and debate on freedom of conscience and religion. The event, entitled "Religious Freedom in the World", brought together local religious leaders at the Palais des Arts, in Vannes, and members of Adventist churches, in Brittany.
An international expert at the heart of the discussions
The guest of honor, Dr. John Graz, former Secretary-General of the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) and representative to the United Nations, shared his expertise acquired during two decades of dialogue with heads of state, ministers, and religious leaders around the world. His presence enriched the discussions and allowed for deeper reflection on this crucial theme.
David Milard, Secretary-General of the International Association for the Defense of Religious Liberty (AIDLR) France, was also present to introduce the association and answer questions from guests.
A commitment to religious freedom
Pastor Fabien Artock and Mireille Lannuzel, organizers of the day, welcomed this first initiative in Brittany. Pastor Artock, a specialist in the Muslim world and someone committed to inter-religious dialogue, stressed the importance of taking a stand on the issue of religious freedom: "The topic of religious freedom has never been so hotly contested, and the moment shared in Vannes alongside the AIDLR reminded us, once again, of the need to take a stand on this essential issue. It was a first in Brittany, and we hope that there will be many more to come."
A gospel concert, organized by members of the Adventist churches of Brittany, closed this day of awareness and discussion.
Focus on John Graz: A defender of human rights
A Franco-Swiss, Dr. John Graz holds a doctorate in the history of religions from the Sorbonne (Paris 1). With this solid academic background, he served for twenty years as director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. During his career, he visited more than 80 countries and met with many leaders, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
As director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty at the Adventist Church’s world headquarters (1995-2015), he forged important diplomatic ties, notably through his representation at the United Nations, his role as Secretary-General of the IRLA, and his participation in the UN Commission on Human Rights.
As the author of the organization of four world congresses on religious freedom and initiatives such as international festivals that brought together more than 270,000 people, he also contributed to the drafting of the Beirut Declaration on Religious Freedom. Distinguished by the Romanian National Medal of Merit (rank of Commander), he collaborated with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Beirut, in 2017, signing the Beirut Declaration on the “Faith for Rights” program. Now retired, he directs the International Center for Religious Freedom and Public Affairs (CILRAP) near Geneva, continuing his commitment through conferences, seminars, and publications.
AIDLR: 75 years of defending religious freedom
Founded in 1946 with the support of Eleanor Roosevelt, AIDLR enjoys consultative status with the UN, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE. Its first Secretary-General, Dr. Jean Nussbaum, established important diplomatic relations, notably with Pope Pius XII. Among its honorary presidents, the association has counted personalities such as Albert Schweitzer, René Cassin, and Mary Robinson. Its current honorary committee is chaired by Adama Dieng, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. Its current Secretary-General is Dr. Paulo Macedo.
In France, the AIDLR relies on Article 6 of the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief to defend the right to observe days of rest and celebrate religious holidays. The Association has collaborated with political figures such as François Bayrou and Jacques Lang on the issue of the Sabbath.
The AIDLR monitors and analyzes trends in religious freedom, disseminates objective information, and engages in dialogue with the authorities. It organizes international conferences, publishes the magazine “Conscience and Liberté” and contributes to the United Nations “Faith4Right” program. The association remains a major player in the defense of religious freedom, adapting its actions to contemporary challenges.
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