New York, NY (PRWEB) January 12, 2005

Matt Cherry, of Albany, N.Y., is serving as the first humanist elected president of the United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief.

The NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief works within the United Nations to promote and defend international agreements protecting freedom of religion and belief. Members of the committee represent several religious faiths and belief systems.

Cherry is the executive director of the Institute for Humanist Studies, an Albany-based nonprofit think tank promoting secularism in government and education. Prior to his appointment as president, Cherry served a two-year term as secretary of the United Nations NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief. Like many humanists, Cherry is an atheist.

The philosophy of humanism maintains that science and reason are the best means to promote human welfare. Humanists accept that people can live ethical, moral, happy and well-adjusted lives free from religious or supernatural convictions.

“Freedom of religion and belief is emerging as a key battleground of the twenty-first century. We are seeing that religious intolerance is one of the root causes of terrorism and conflicts,” Cherry said. “The United Nations is the best hope for countering violence by creating respect and understanding for all the world’s beliefs.”

“I’m very happy that Matt Cherry has been elected president,” said outgoing President Antonios Kireopoulos. “Cherry brings a solid background and commitment to the work of promoting freedom of religion or belief. I look forward to collaborating with him as he leads us through our next phase of activity.” Kireopoulos also serves the National Council of Churches as associate general secretary for International Affairs and Peace.

For information on The United Nations NGO Committee of Freedom of Religion or Belief, visit www.ngocongo.org/ngosubs/freedrel.htm. For information on humanism and the Institute for Humanist Studies, visit www.HumanistStudies.org.

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