The discussion is being held as a side event to the United Nations 58th Session of the Human Rights Council. 

Panelist will discuss how freedom of religion includes the ability to have a legally recognized place of worship. When Christians cannot rent, buy or build a place to hold a legal worship service, they see pastors arrested for holding informal meetings because these are considered “illegal meetings” by government officials. 

This side event will include speakers from several countries where Christians find it difficult to secure legal status or obtain the required church registration to hold legal worship services.

Learn more about the WCC work on "Human dignity and rights"