State, Politics, and Religions: A Balanced Equilibrium.

 

The Republic of Albania Constitution starts by saying that, “We, the people of Albania, proud and aware of our history, with responsibility for the future, and with faith in God and/or other universal values, with determination to build a social and democratic state based on the rule of law, and to guarantee the fundamental human rights and freedoms, with a spirit of religious coexistence and tolerance, with a pledge to protect human dignity and personhood, as well as for the prosperity of the whole nation, for peace, well-being, culture and social solidarity, with the centuries-old aspiration of the Albanian people for national identity and unity, with a deep conviction that justice, peace, harmony and cooperation between nations are among the highest values of humanity.” 

In addition, it continues on by stating that:

 1) “In the Republic of Albania there is no official religion.”

 2) “The state is neutral on questions of belief and conscience and guarantees the freedom of their expression in public life.” 

3) “The state recognizes the equality of religious communities.”

4) “The state and the religious communities mutually respect the independence of one another and work together for the good of each and all.” 

5) “Relations between the state and religious communities are regulated based on agreements entered into between their representatives and the Council of Ministers. The Assembly ratifies these agreements.”

 6) “Religious communities are juridical persons. They have independence in the administration of their properties according to their principles, rules and canons, to the extent that interests of third parties are not infringed.”

These articles of the constitution of Albania explain very well the position of state and the religious communities within the society. The state institutions and the religions have been too careful to behave according to the constitution and the results seem too positive enough in having a good equilibrium in this relationship. The state has signed agreements to regulate the terms of the relationship with five religious communities and the assembly has ratified these agreements. The use of religions for different interests by politicalactors can be very dangerous and is not a healthy approach to be followed in a multi-religious and democratic society. Albanian politics have been careful and sensitive in subjects related to religions and religious communities. Among the main political parties, there is no one putting on the agenda, specifically the religious-oriented subjects or having a closer intention to work with a specific religious group. There have been continuously supportive discourses to religious communities from the state leaders and the outstanding political leaders, keeping in mind the principle of the laicite that the constitution has.