Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB)

Religious Freedom: Power to Flourish

Freedom of Expression: An Inseparable Right from Religious Freedom

Message delivered to the Senate of the Republic of Mexico while participating in the Second Inter-American Forum for Interreligious Dialogue and Collaboration on Religious Freedom

Religious Freedom in an International Context

"[The] restoration of the fulness of Christian doctrine teaches us that God created and put His children on Earth to grow spiritually by making right choices between good and evil consistent with His commandments. Freedom of choice is, therefore, fundamental to God’s plan.”

The Foundational Contribution of Religion to Society

"Religious freedom is a marker for other freedoms in society that temper the natural impulses that are counter to a prosperous, thriving, and progressing society."

Challenges to Religious Freedom

"[The protection of conscience] helps people from a wide spectrum of beliefs feel assured that their deepest concerns and values are respected and protected."

Hope for the Years Ahead

“There should be room for all good-faith views in the public square, be they secular, religious, or a mixture of the two. When expressed sincerely and without sanctimoniousness, the religious voice adds much to the text and tenor of public debate.”

Preserving Religious Freedom

"It is imperative that those of us who believe in God and in the reality of right and wrong unite more effectively to protect our religious freedom to preach and practice our faith in God."

Religious Freedom

"Religious freedom has always been at risk. It was repression of religious belief and practice that drove the Pilgrim fathers and other dissenters to the shores of this continent. Even today, leaders in all too many nations use state power to repress religious believers."

The Doctrine of Religious Freedom

Part of “redemption’s mystery” is our paradoxical—and yet ultimately not paradoxical—obligation to respect and love and protect the rights of others not of our faith.