Christians Associated

Democratic values are under siege today, even in parts of the world with strong democratic traditions. In Europe, right-wing political ideologies have reemerged in ways uncomfortably reminiscent of the early twentieth century. In Eastern Europe, rampant political corruption, taking cover under anti-Western rhetoric, is undermining emerging democracies, and Russian propaganda, seeking to obscure events in Ukraine, touts the ability of centralized authoritarian governments to defend against so-called Western decadence. Christians Associated for Democracy was founded in 2014 as a response to the diminishing regard for democratic values throughout parts of Europe and the rest of the world. Its mission is to enhance appreciation for the constructive role faith can play in strengthening democracy and enriching public life. It carries out this mission by translating literature addressing the relationship between religion, democracy, and civil society into the world’s less well-spoken languages. 

 

In 2014, Christians Associated for Democracy focused on Hungary, a country whose ruler recently announced his intention to transform Hungary into an "illiberal state." Christians Associated assisted in translating a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights on Hungary's law on the legal status of religious groups, and also assisted in the translation and publication of a book on the state of religious freedom in Hungary. Additionally, Christians Associated launched the website for the bilingual English-Hungarian journal Principium, which focuses on issues of religion  and public life. 

 

By bringing attention to the constructive relationship between faith and democracy, and by facilitating intellectual exchange among people of faith in different cultures, Christians Associated for Democracy seeks to elevate public discourse about the role of religion in public life, and also to make a clear, faith-based case for democratic institutions. You can learn more about Christians Associated for Democracy by visiting the website. “Like” our Facebook page to stay informed about news and issues concerning the state of democracy and human rights around the world, and “share” the information with others to help spread the word about our important mission.