Because of frequent inquiries on whether veganism aligns with religion, the Vegan Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina organized a panel discussion at which panelists, from their religion perspectives, connected veganism to the very principles of faith.

Dina Stefanović was one of the panelists, and in the introduction, she emphasized that orthodox Christianity promotes a philosophy of mercy and categorically supported veganism as something allowed to orthodox believers. Alija Osmić, our second panelist, agreed with Dina and her Christian view of veganism by saying that veganism is also allowed in Islam.

From a catholic perspective, Željka Bišćan emphasized that the Catholic church still does not have a strict opinion on veganism, but that Pope Francis himself advocates for love towards all beings, not only humans. Dina also emphasized that veganism does not go against Orthodox Catholicism and that veganism is actually welcomed, as fasting in Christianity includes abstaining from animal products. Apart from that, Dina believes that it would be absurd not to do all we can to prevent climate change, which is possible through veganism, whereas Alija concluded that neither consuming nor not consuming meat make us better believers. Željka went further, quoting one of the 10 commands ‘Do not kill’ which also applies to animals.