Skopje, 13 May 2025 (MIA) – The leaders of religious communities in the country signed Tuesday the declaration of the religious leaders in the Republic of North Macedonia against violent extremism. The signing was initiated by the Macedonian Centre for International Cooperation (MCIC) and the Commission for Relations with Religious Communities and Groups.

The signing reaffirmed that religious communities are key stakeholders in preventing and countering violent extremism, as their presence and engagement with followers can play a significant role in strengthening communities as a whole.

The Declaration was signed by Archbishop Stefan, Head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric, Head of the Islamic Religious Community, Shaqir ef. Fetahu, Monsignor Dr. Kiro Stojanov, Bishop of Skopje and Eparchy of Strumica-Skopje, Marjan Dimov, Superintendent of the Evangelical Methodist Church, Pepo Levi, President of the Jewish Community, Director of the Commission for Relations with Religious Communities and Groups Olivera Trajkovska and Director of the Macedonian Centre for International Cooperation (MCIC) Aleksandar Krzhalovski.

“We, the signatories of this Declaration, religious leaders and representatives of recognized religious communities in the Republic of North Macedonia, gathered in the spirit of mutual respect and driven by our sense of shared responsibility, fully aware of our role in safeguarding social peace, affirm this Declaration as an expression of our joint commitment to fostering dignified coexistence and resisting violent extremism. Aware that the Republic of North Macedonia is a shared home of diverse peoples, cultures, and beliefs, and that coexistence is a value that must be continuously nurtured and protected, the Declaration states. Faced with the misuse of religion as a pretext for division and violence, the increasing presence of hate speech, and ongoing processes of radicalization that lead to violence and violent extremism, as well as disinformation, ideological narratives, and propaganda that distort the essence of faith and promote mistrust,” the Declaration reads.

In response to a journalist's question to the Head of the Islamic Religious Community, Shaqir ef. Fetahu, about whether the Islamic Religious Community has a strategy for the younger generation of believers who are increasingly targeted by extremist groups, the Reis stated: “We firmly stand behind the positions we signed today in the Declaration, and with all our resources within the Islamic Religious Community, we will strive to fully implement every point of the Declaration.”

He stated that the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia should inform religious communities when it comes to religious matters.

“Society, meaning the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia, should inform us about certain issues. We are competent when it comes to religious matters; we are not competent in other areas. We agreed with the Director of the Commission, Olivera Trajkovska, to keep each other informed about developments that disturb peace and mutual respect,” Shaqir ef. Fetahu added.

Photo: MIA