Religious liberty is a gift from God. Defend it!

In a Philadelphia moment laden with symbolism, Pope Francis on Saturday, Sep 26 encouraged all Americans and all religions to unite against efforts that would limit religious freedom.

Oct 01, 2015

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.: In a Philadelphia moment laden with symbolism, Pope Francis on Saturday, Sep 26 encouraged all Americans and all religions to unite against efforts that would limit religious freedom.

“May this country, and each of you, be renewed in gratitude for the many blessings and freedoms that you enjoy. And may you defend these rights, especially your religious freedom, for it has been given to you by God himself,” the Pope said Sept 26.

“In a world where various forms of modern tyranny seek to suppress religious freedom, or try to reduce it to a subculture without right to a voice in the public square, or to use religion as a pretext for hatred and brutality, it is imperative that the followers of the various religions join their voices in calling for peace, tolerance and respect for the dignity and rights of others,” he said.

The Pope reflected at length on religious freedom at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. The venue includes the National Constitution Center and the Liberty Bell Centre. The Pope recognized the symbolism of speaking of religious freedom there.

“It was here that the freedoms which define this country were first proclaimed,” he said, citing the Declaration of Independence.

“Those ringing words continue to inspire us today, even as they have inspired peoples throughout the world, to fight for the freedom to live in accordance with their dignity.”

“Religious freedom certainly means the right to worship God, individually and in community, as our consciences dictate. But religious liberty, by its nature, transcends places of worship and the private sphere of individuals and families,” Pope Francis said. Religious traditions, he said, “call individuals and communities to worship God, the source of all life, liberty and happiness” and “remind us of the transcendent dimension of human existence and our irreducible freedom in the face of every claim to absolute power.”

The religious freedom meeting’s audience included representatives of the Hispanic community and other immigrants. An estimated 50,000 people are believed to have to attend.

He said religious freedom is “a fundamental right which shapes the way we interact socially, and personally, with our neighbours whose religious views differ from our own.” He recalled the atrocities committed in the 20th century by regimes which dominated peoples and denied them “any kind of rights.”

Pope Francis also stressed the richness of religious traditions that offer meaning and direction and have “an enduring power to open new horizons, to stimulate thought, to expand the mind and heart.”

“They call to conversion, reconciliation, concern for the future of society, self-sacrifice in the service of the common good, and compassion for those in need. At the heart of their spiritual mission is the proclamation of the truth and dignity of the human person and human rights,” the Pope said. -- CNA

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