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Latvia has a strong ecumenical tradition, and the doors of the Saeima are open to all denominations, stated Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima, as she met with the delegation of the Lutheran World Federation at the Parliament of Latvia. The delegation was also welcomed by Deputy Speaker Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica and Deputy Secretary Jānis Grasbergs, who is also the Chair of the Parliamentary group for cooperation with religious organizations.

Although church is separate from politics in Latvia, cooperation between the state and religious organizations remains close, Speaker Mieriņa told the delegation. The Speaker of the Saeima emphasised the role of the church in shaping public opinion, especially at a time when various efforts are made to divide society, including through disinformation and propaganda.

During the meeting, Speaker Mieriņa highlighted the importance of being more tolerant, accepting, and remembering to love one’s neighbour—ideals promoted by religious organizations.

Riga is currently hosting the European Church Leadership Consultation. The event is organised by the Lutheran World Federation in cooperation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia and the Latvian Lutheran community. The event emphasises the potential of the church in fostering social cohesion and cooperation among communities across borders, said Anne Burghardt, General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation. The meeting was also attended by Rinalds Grants, Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia.

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Saeima Press Service