A/HRC/31/18/Add.1 VIII. Conclusions and recommendations 84. In Lebanon, people are free to confess and practise their religions and beliefs in the way they see fit. Conversion in different directions is possible and indeed a reality – in stark contrast to the situation in most other Middle-Eastern countries. People can also bear public testimony to their faith and engage in missionary or dawa activities. Religious diversity is a visible and audible reality, as churches and mosques often stand in close vicinity and the ringing of bells at times intermingles with the Muslim call to prayer. Some Lebanese openly declare themselves as agnostics or atheists, and express critical views on religion in general, which is mostly appreciated as something quite natural in an open society. 85. The country’s pluralistic heritage is a counterpoint to the aggressive agendas of sectarian homogenization that haunt some neighbouring countries. Over the centuries, a culture of interreligious coexistence has emerged that today helps to build resilience against extremist interpretations of religious traditions. Many families comprise persons of different religious orientations. Many people live, learn and work together across confessional lines, a situation that quite naturally fosters the discovery of common interests, values and convictions. 86. In discussions on how to preserve and further develop religious diversity in the face of external threats and internal challenges, the Special Rapporteur sensed different degrees of readiness for reforms. There seems to be growing awareness also among religious leaders and community members that the current system, in which religious membership and societal or political opportunities are interwoven in complex ways, leads to situations that may undermine the credibility of religious messages and norms. Untangling the tightly knit web of religious loyalties, political affiliations, social positions and societal opportunities may thus improve the prospects of common citizenship while ensuring that the inner attractiveness and persuasiveness of religious messages can unfold without getting mixed up with non-religious incentives. 87. Similarly, the Special Rapporteur sensed a certain willingness to introduce optional civil marriage in Lebanon, in order to accommodate the realities of modern life in a more honest and open manner. In discussions with religious leaders and dignitaries, he rarely encountered a whole-hearted and clear defence of the status quo. Fears that the option of contracting civil marriages in Lebanon might erode the existing religious diversity would indeed betray a lack of confidence in the inner persuasiveness of religious traditions. In order to preserve and further develop the legacy of religious diversity in an increasingly complicated region, religious communities and civil society organizations in Lebanon will have to cooperate more closely and build trust that is based on a common commitment to human rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief. 88. The Special Rapporteur applauds the manifold efforts aimed at refugee relief made by international and government agencies, municipal authorities and countless volunteers, including from various religious communities. 89. Against this background, recommendations below. the Special Rapporteur makes the 21