Politicians are not religious dignitaries: Eids and Christmases in houses of worship, care for the state and people in institutions

By Enver Išerić, legal expert and president of the Association Guardians of Bosnia

The great holiday, Catholic Christmas, is approaching. Then we welcome Orthodox Christmas. These are holidays, or rather a holiday, in which the birth of Jesus Christ, Isa alejhisselam/peace be upon him, is celebrated. After that, on March 30, Ramadan Eid follows.

And these holidays are celebrated all over the world. Each in their own way and by their own choice. Because God made people free to believe or not believe. And freedom of religion is guaranteed by international human rights documents.

The Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina also guarantees it. What I want to point out is the fact that politicians are slowly but very boldly taking over the role of religious leaders and authorities for us (I mean all religions). Celebrations of religious holidays are being organized in the institutions of a secular state. This applies to both Christian and Islamic holidays. And that's really not a problem for me.

I just seriously question why people who shouldn't be doing this are organizing it, and you can interpret that however you want. In other words, it doesn't bother me. But we cannot say one thing and do another. Let's recall the conclusion of the HJPC from nine years ago, when it ordered the courts in Bosnia and Herzegovina to prohibit employees and parties from bringing religious symbols into the courts.

And we, both then and now, witness a multitude of public institutions at all levels of government where religious symbols are displayed (pictures of saints, crosses, and the like, and perhaps some calligraphy, although I haven't seen that). And the same rules must apply to all public institutions, regardless of whether they are judicial, legislative, or executive.

Therefore, given that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a secular state, it should be very clearly determined which religious symbols do not belong in public institutions. It is also necessary for a decision to be made in the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, either to approve or prohibit the celebration of religious holidays in state institutions, as well as in institutions at all levels.

So, if celebrations are approved, let everyone celebrate everywhere. If it is prohibited, then it is in accordance with a secular state in which state institutions are separated from all religions, but which also guarantees religious freedoms. If the celebration of religious holidays and the display of religious symbols in state institutions are approved, then we cannot claim to be a purely secular state. But this secularism of ours is being undermined by politicians who want to do the jobs of religious officials, without being qualified for it in the slightest.

Do not do this for political gain. All religions forbid it. And if you decide to do so, then inform us citizens about it. And make it clear to yourselves what is allowed and what is not. Then we will all celebrate all Christmases and all Eids together. And one day in churches and mosques, and one day in institutions. I, and society as a whole, would be happy if we were such believers that we couldn't wait to celebrate our holidays in religious buildings, so we start celebrating early in religious institutions.

And if we are at such a level of faith, where does all this corruption in the state and its institutions come from? Isn't that forbidden to believers? Have you forgotten God's message, "You are distracted by the pursuit of wealth until you visit the graves. No, you will soon come to know."

These two things do not go together at all. And those who celebrate religious holidays and engage in corruption are hypocrites, and hypocrisy is worse than disbelief. Therefore, it would be better for elected officials to deal with what we elected them for. Take care of the state and the lives of citizens. And celebrate the holidays of our state in a dignified manner.

Then you will be our true representatives and statesmen. Otherwise, you are neither statesmen nor religious dignitaries. And the worst thing is when a person doesn't know who they are or what they are.