Supporting Religious Diversity Makes Us Richer – Metaphorically and Literally!

It might seem like a stretch to argue that religious freedom puts more money in our pockets but it really does! Researchers and policy experts know that treating and valuing all citizens equally, regardless of their religious beliefs, is not just a moral requirement but also a financial concern. The respect for or violation of human rights like religious freedom affects both our souls and our wallets.

In many countries around the world there is a growing concern amongst the population about international human rights and religious freedom. The citizens of powerful, wealthy and important democracies don’t want their governments to trade with countries that don’t allow rights like religious freedom and those governments are forced to listen to their voters.

There are also a multitude of global businesses that would invest in our local areas, bringing jobs and money for infrastructure. But serious businesses are looking to invest in places where they can be certain that instability and insecurity won’t impact on their operations. They want to invest in countries in which they can have confidence that their staff won’t be harassed by the authorities over their religious practices or arrested on bogus and outdated charges.

Of course, it’s also obvious that populations which are permitted freedom to think are more creative, brilliant and successful. People who aren’t allowed to pursue their thoughts and ideas around who they are and how they understand truth and religion are stifled intellectually. Those who are empowered to engage in discussion and debate around the ideas which are most fundamental to who we are, are more likely to come up with great new commercial ideas, medical and scientific breakthroughs and other brilliant solutions. Allowing people to think for themselves and engage in different ideas is good for all of us. It is the way to a better future.

Countries that give space for a diversity of beliefs are richer – metaphorically and literally! If you agree with the rest of us that this is something we really want, then stand together with us in demanding better policies, better attitudes, more justice, and more freedom for all our fellow citizens.

We are // compatriots. We are // friends. We are // family. We are // diverse. We are // equal.

We are // United.