Aims
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Aims and Purposes
The ETF, as expressed in the Constitutive Act, has as its purpose the promotion, dissemination and protection of the Taoist religion in Europe, in all ways permitted by the Law.
Taoist Associations that do not include in their statutes the practice of worship and the promotion of the Taoist religion as their main activity cannot be part of the ETF.
It does so, in addition to what is provided in the following paragraphs, establishing relationships with:
- The other religions, maintaining a constant and fraternal interfaith dialogue with them;
- The other international and world Taoist organisations, particularly with the Chinese Taoist Association, whose religious filiation is recognized, and with the World Federation of Daoism, with which protocols of understanding and collaboration may be established in the future;
- European civil and social institutions, to promote Peace and the prosperity of peoples.
The aims and purposes of the ETF are in particular:
- To bring together the various Taoist Associations and Churches of Europe to promote and spread the Taoist religion in a communal and unified way, inspired by the principle of unity of purpose, concord, harmony and working together for the common growth of all of us religious Taoists;
- Coordinate the general interest activities of Taoist Associations and make their activities known to the people of Europe;
- To carry out religious, social and cultural projects of common interest;
- To be the voice and spokesman of the European Taoist Community in the world;
- To represent the European Taoist Community before national and international, religious and secular bodies and agencies.
While guaranteeing the absolute autonomy of the individual Associations, the ETF intends in particular:
- Play a role of connection and coordination among its member associations, elaborating and proposing solutions to problems of general interest;
- Encourage meetings for cultural and religious exchanges between the members of the various associations, organising the European Taoist Conference (ETC) (art. 17) annually or at most every two years, working together with two or more Confederate associations;
- Spreading the Taoist religion and culture;
- To encourage scientific and historical-religious research on Taoism also in collaboration with universities and public and/or private bodies;
- Promote inter-religious dialogue, setting up a specific College (art. 13).
The ETF has no profit, commercial, industrial, trade union, political or similar purposes. It pursues religious and secular purposes, solidarity and social utility through the execution, exclusively or principally, of one or more activities of general interest, making prevalent use of the voluntary activity of its members.
No paid assignment can be entrusted to the ETF and/or Confederate and Adherent Associations.