RAPORTURILE DINTRE AUTORITĂȚILE ADMINISTRAȚIEI PUBLICE ȘI CULTELE RELIGIOASE

Abstract

Religious cults as non-commercial legal persons have equal rights and obligations and enter into certain relationships with central and local public administration authorities. Under the rule of law, the principle of the autonomy of religious cults is established and they are not subordinated to a particular public administration authority and have financial autonomy. However, this principle is materialised by the emergence of other relationships, such as collaborative relationships, fiscal relationships for certain objects, property relationships and electoral relationships. In order to ensure public order and protect the health of citizens, decisions may be taken or restrictions imposed on the activities of religious cults. On the other hand, religious cults can also intervene with addresses and expressions of opinion on the initiatives of the public administration authorities. The state must create the necessary conditions to support the activities of religious cults, granting some privileges and not financial resources as in the case of Belgium. The need to establish a clear vision of the responsibilities of central and local public authorities in the context of relations with religious cults is based on the guarantee of the right to conscience and the principle of autonomy of religious cults.