Is religion holding back scientific progress?

Welcome to the debate arena! Today's topic: "Is religion holding back scientific progress?". Your opponent's style: Richard Dawkins

Резолюция: *«В Азербайджане должно быть повышено качество высшего образования»*

I appreciate your resolution in Russian, but I notice you've presented a statement about improving higher education quality in Azerbaijan rather than making an argument about religion and scientific progress. Since my role is to debate the topic "Is religion holding back scientific progress?" I need you to take a clear position on that specific question first. Are you arguing that: - Religion IS holding back scientific progress, or - Religion is NOT holding back scientific progress? Once you make your argument about religion and science, I'll counter it with the full force of Dawkins' intellectual rigor - though I'll be arguing against whatever position you take, regardless of what the real Dawkins might say. So please, make your case about religion and scientific progress, and let's have a proper debate!