Fortnight4Freedom: Day 13

In turn, where the principle of religious freedom
is not only proclaimed in words or simply incorporated
in law but also given sincere and practical
application, there the Church succeeds in achieving a
stable situation of right as well as of fact and the independence
which is necessary for the fulfillment of her
divine mission. This independence is precisely what
the authorities of the Church claim in society.

At the same time, the Christian faithful, in common
with all other men, possess the civil right not to
be hindered in leading their lives in accordance with
their conscience. Therefore, a harmony exists between
the freedom of the Church and the religious freedom
which is to be recognized as the right of all men and
communities and sanctioned by constitutional law.


Declaration on Religious Liberty
(Dignitatis Humanae), no. 13
December 7, 1965
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Reflection for Day Thirteen:

While insisting upon the religious freedom of the
Church, the Council Fathers do not wish to give the
impression that in some manner the Catholic Church
is special when it comes to religious liberty. Thus, the
Council first states above that where the principle
of religious liberty is present, the Church is able to
peaceably fulfill her divine mission. It is this amicable
relationship between herself and civil authorities that
the Church always wishes to pursue and ensure.

In the light of this, the Church also champions
the religious and civil rights of all so that all
people can live “their lives in accordance with their
conscience.” In this way there is no conflict with
what the Church demands for herself and what she
demands for others—the freedom to follow one’s
conscience in matters religious. This religious freedom
for all is what the Council once more believes should
be acknowledged and sanctioned within the constitutional
law of countries.

In the United States, religious freedom is protected
in the Constitution, as the Council desires.

Are those constitutional protections enough?

Are they growing stronger or weaker in our society today?

What else, apart from the law, can strengthen or
weaken religious liberty?

What should Catholics do to defend and foster religious liberty
in America today?

What have Catholics done in the past when religious
liberty was threatened?


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