Freedom of religion is widely accepted as a situation in which people generally (individual or a group of people) are allowed to affiliate, practice and express their religious convictions or beliefs without any form of restriction or coercion. A society where freedom of religion exists is expected to experience peace and development in every ramification of human endeavor. Religion itself should be a tool for development and peaceful coexistence when the adherents of each faith understand the doctrine or tenets therein. The major function of religion, according to Emile Durkheim, is “to provide social cohesion to help maintain social solidarity through shared rituals and beliefs, social control to enforce religious-based morals and norms to help maintain conformity and control in society”. Thus, proper understanding and practice of religion should bring about an enlightened and a just society, where there is respect for human rights and dignity. In view of this, no religion should be seen as being evil. Christianity, being a missionary religion, emphasizes peaceful coexistence of humans and the society as a whole. This is a sign of God’s kingdom on earth as taught by Jesus Christ in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:6ff). Other leaders of faith in this context have also established the need to maintain peace at all cost in the society (Hebrews 12:14). Although, every Christian has a mandate to make disciples (Mark 16:15) through conversion and believing in Christ, this should not be done through force and violence. The instruction is to be a witness by actions and words (Act 1:8).
