Fortnight For Freedom - Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Fortnight For Freedom - Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Fortnight For Freedom - Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
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the word <strong>of</strong> the angel, his punishment is removed and he speaks, prais<strong>in</strong>g God (and there is nolonger any trace <strong>of</strong> cynicism nor anger from his punishment <strong>in</strong> him).• John the Baptist surely learned the lessons <strong>of</strong> humility from his father, <strong>of</strong> gratitude and trustfrom his mother, and from both <strong>of</strong> them <strong>of</strong> the importance <strong>of</strong> witness<strong>in</strong>g to the truth despiteopposition from others, even relative and friends.Tuesday, June 25, 2013Tuesday, 12th Week <strong>in</strong> Ord<strong>in</strong>ary Time• Lot chooses what he considers the best, even if it means surround<strong>in</strong>g himself with evil (thoughhe himself does not commit the evil). Abraham chooses what is considered less than the best, yetthe first th<strong>in</strong>g he does is build an altar to God. In the end, Abraham is blessed and Lot loseseveryth<strong>in</strong>g. What are we will<strong>in</strong>g to compromise to get what we th<strong>in</strong>k we want or need?• The Psalm proclaims that the one who does justice <strong>in</strong> all its forms walks and lives <strong>in</strong> thepresence <strong>of</strong> God. That presence is worth more than all the treasures this world could <strong>of</strong>fer.• The “narrow gate” is the way <strong>of</strong> the cross, which comes to us cont<strong>in</strong>ually, though <strong>in</strong>various guises. Work<strong>in</strong>g for religious liberty will lead us to the cross, perhaps whenneighbors or co-workers ridicule us because <strong>of</strong> the Church we belong to or even for moreserious reasons. And we must be careful not to respond with ridicule or anger, but with love anda desire for the greater truth, otherwise the pearl that is our faith could be trampled upon.Wednesday, June 26, 2013Wednesday, 12th Week <strong>in</strong> Ord<strong>in</strong>ary Time• The bless<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> God (and true religious freedom) comes precisely from committ<strong>in</strong>g oneself,b<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g oneself to God and Truth, just as Abraham did <strong>in</strong> the covenant mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> today. Suchtotal commitment br<strong>in</strong>gs identity, purpose and freedom from the fickle w<strong>in</strong>ds <strong>of</strong> human appetite.• The Psalmist proclaims that God never forgets his covenant with us. It is good to be rem<strong>in</strong>dedthat God’s fidelity can always be counted on.• Jesus calls us to a real discernment <strong>of</strong> listen<strong>in</strong>g and test<strong>in</strong>g the moral and political ideas that arecont<strong>in</strong>ually thrown at us. We need not lead lives <strong>of</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>ual suspicion, but we should listenclosely and test the fruits <strong>of</strong> unproven theories.• True freedom leaves us free to discern the right as God grants us to see the right and t<strong>of</strong>ollow it. Our freedom cannot coerce hearts to the truth, but it can enable their conversionthrough our fidelity to that truth. To be free, we must rema<strong>in</strong> true.Thursday, June 27, 2012Thursday, 12 th Week <strong>in</strong> Ord<strong>in</strong>ary Time; Optional Memorial <strong>of</strong> St. Cyril <strong>of</strong> Alexandria, bishop, doctor• It seems that Abram and Sarai are impatient with God <strong>in</strong> his promises to them <strong>of</strong> an heir; andyet, the Lord uses even their impatience to br<strong>in</strong>g about a bless<strong>in</strong>g for Hagar with her futurenumerous descendants. We need to be patient <strong>in</strong> lett<strong>in</strong>g the work <strong>of</strong> God come to fruition, even ifit should mean submitt<strong>in</strong>g to abuse for a time as Hagar did. Also, we are never too old to beuseful to God as the 86 year old Abram proves <strong>in</strong> this read<strong>in</strong>g.• Jesus reserves severe condemnation for those who would pay him lip service, and then do
the opposite <strong>in</strong> their actions. There is need <strong>of</strong> a careful discernment <strong>of</strong> truth. Many <strong>of</strong> thosecondemned thought they were act<strong>in</strong>g for God. Fidelity, truth and charity are <strong>in</strong>separable.to the entirety <strong>of</strong> our identity as Christian, even should it lead to persecution.• Christ himself is the rock on which we build and to which we cl<strong>in</strong>g. We can trust thehouse <strong>of</strong> the Church founded on him to stand strong <strong>in</strong> the midst <strong>of</strong> contrary teach<strong>in</strong>gsthat may blow <strong>in</strong> a secular culture.Friday, June 28, 2013Memorial <strong>of</strong> St. Irenaeus, bishop and martyr (read<strong>in</strong>gs from the current weekday)• If Abraham is obst<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>in</strong> wonder<strong>in</strong>g whether Sarah will ever give birth, the Lord is even morepersistent <strong>in</strong> call<strong>in</strong>g him to faith and to stand<strong>in</strong>g by his promises. Nevertheless, Abraham andSarah did have to wait a long time! But the Lord did prove faithful and he will prove so to us aswell.• The Psalmist speaks <strong>of</strong> the Fear <strong>of</strong> the Lord—this is not the reaction we all experience todanger. Rather, this is a virtue to be taught. It is a reverence and respect for the one greater thanus, especially <strong>in</strong> those moments when we do not understand his action or seem<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>action.• Jesus not only restores the leper to physical wholeness, he also restores him to social andreligious wholeness. He is no longer forced to worship God on the marg<strong>in</strong>s <strong>of</strong> society, but can goto the Temple like everyone else. Religious freedom is a call for a similar wholeness, seek<strong>in</strong>gthe right for every aspect <strong>of</strong> religion to be accepted as such.• St. Irenaeus gave his life defend<strong>in</strong>g the fullness <strong>of</strong> the Christian faith (his greatest work is“Aga<strong>in</strong>st Heresies”). As a bishop, he understood that he held a particular charism andresponsibility to witness to the fullness <strong>of</strong> truth.Saturday, June 29, 2013Solemnity <strong>of</strong> Sa<strong>in</strong>ts Peter and Paul, Apostles• Regardless <strong>of</strong> whether the prayer <strong>of</strong> the Church provoked the angel to be sent to Peter, the faith<strong>of</strong> the Church does hold that the Lord hears our prayers and responds <strong>in</strong> accord with his will.What is perhaps more important than the angel be<strong>in</strong>g sent (because it could be well argued thatthe Lord cont<strong>in</strong>ually sends his messengers <strong>of</strong> grace to each <strong>of</strong> us), rather is that Peter wasdisposed to receive and respond to the messenger. Here is the greater challenge, and the Psalmalludes to it say<strong>in</strong>g that “The angel <strong>of</strong> the Lord will rescue those who fear the Lord.”• Paul is “be<strong>in</strong>g poured out,” “compet<strong>in</strong>g well,” “f<strong>in</strong>ish<strong>in</strong>g the race,” “keep<strong>in</strong>g the faith,” and“long<strong>in</strong>g for the Lord’s appearance.” In all <strong>of</strong> these, Paul is striv<strong>in</strong>g, and the Lord alone isachiev<strong>in</strong>g. We must do all that we can <strong>in</strong> our long<strong>in</strong>g for the Lord, while turn<strong>in</strong>g over anyaccomplishments completely to the Lord.• Peter’s pr<strong>of</strong>ession <strong>of</strong> faith comes not from “flesh and blood” but from Jesus’ own “heavenlyFather.” Our faith is not dependent on human op<strong>in</strong>ion, but on God. There is still need to usehuman reason to make the important decisions <strong>in</strong> our world, but the faith which purifies thatreason is div<strong>in</strong>e. We need both.• Our action for religious liberty beg<strong>in</strong>s with free<strong>in</strong>g ourselves from s<strong>in</strong> and falsehood, but itmust cont<strong>in</strong>ue with proclaim<strong>in</strong>g that freedom, won by Christ, to the rest <strong>of</strong> the world.
Monday, July 1, 2013Monday, 13th Week <strong>in</strong> Ord<strong>in</strong>ary Time; Optional Memorial <strong>of</strong> Bl. Junipero Serra, Priest• The compassion <strong>of</strong> Abraham for the people <strong>of</strong> Sodom and Gomorrah leads him to be persistent<strong>in</strong> entreat<strong>in</strong>g the Lord, but it never leads him to question or challenge the Lord <strong>in</strong> his judgments.This is Jesus’ attitude <strong>in</strong> the garden <strong>of</strong> Gethsemane when he asks his Father to let the chalice <strong>of</strong>suffer<strong>in</strong>g pass him by, but adds “not my will, but yours be done.”• Jesus is clear on the costs <strong>of</strong> discipleship. There are some th<strong>in</strong>gs we must give up. Accept<strong>in</strong>ghis vision <strong>of</strong> discipleship, however, does not lead to neglect <strong>of</strong> anyone or anyth<strong>in</strong>g essential, butit does put them <strong>in</strong> their proper order. There are good th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> our secular society, but they mustbe rightly ordered to be perceived!• The fight for religious liberty is a great rem<strong>in</strong>der that we must obey God rather than men;<strong>in</strong>deed, our service to our neighbor is <strong>in</strong>formed by our obedience to God. We must be persistent<strong>in</strong> seek<strong>in</strong>g the Lord’s will, and firm <strong>in</strong> carry<strong>in</strong>g it out.Tuesday, July 2, 2013Tuesday, 13 th Week <strong>in</strong> Ord<strong>in</strong>ary Time• Lot, it seems, has lived among the wickedness <strong>of</strong> Sodom and Gomorrah for so long that hisown hope <strong>in</strong> the goodness <strong>of</strong> life has gone. He has become unable to save himself and seemsresigned to die. The Lord alone saves him. One <strong>of</strong> the problems <strong>in</strong> contemporary society forChristians is how near can we live with s<strong>in</strong> before becom<strong>in</strong>g affected ourselves?• If we are rooted <strong>in</strong> Christ, the storms <strong>of</strong> this life will never overturn us. The outside may rage,but a pr<strong>of</strong>ound calm will characterize us with<strong>in</strong>. By ourselves, however, we cannot f<strong>in</strong>d thatcalm. Christ’s calm is not <strong>in</strong>difference; it comes from faith. It is rem<strong>in</strong>iscent <strong>of</strong> God’s words tothe Israelites: The Lord will fight for you; you have only to keep still. (Ex. 14:14)• Some <strong>of</strong> the decisions which <strong>in</strong>fr<strong>in</strong>ge our religious liberty are test<strong>in</strong>g the boundaries <strong>of</strong> howclose we can come to evil and be comfortable, but if we are not careful, the boundaries willcont<strong>in</strong>ue to shr<strong>in</strong>k until the evil is upon us entirely. At some po<strong>in</strong>t, we need to wake up thesleep<strong>in</strong>g Christ and reassert our faith, lest we lose it altogether.Wednesday, July 3, 2013Feast <strong>of</strong> St. Thomas, apostle• Christians live <strong>in</strong> this world always hold<strong>in</strong>g to the vision and promise <strong>of</strong> the next. Our faith <strong>in</strong>heaven affects how we live on earth. And every action and decision we make builds up or tearsdown our preparedness, our openness, to the heavenly k<strong>in</strong>gdom. This vision and promise isrooted <strong>in</strong> the witness <strong>of</strong> the Apostles.• Perhaps Thomas was afraid to believe aga<strong>in</strong>. Perhaps he had put so much hope <strong>in</strong> Jesus—orrather <strong>in</strong> an earthly k<strong>in</strong>gdom <strong>of</strong> Jesus—that he was hesitant to hope <strong>in</strong> anyth<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>. And yet,he changed suddenly and became a fearless preacher <strong>of</strong> the Gospel all the way to martyrdom.The Church holds that this change was due to a real encounter with the risen Christ, who showedhim how the earthly is but a foreshadow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the heavenly.• Christians cannot live accord<strong>in</strong>g to the logic <strong>of</strong> this world. Our logic, our reason, is always<strong>in</strong>formed by our faithful understand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the preach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the Apostles. The Church has an openhorizon directed to the heavenly k<strong>in</strong>gdom, and our work on earth is always performed <strong>in</strong> the
shadow <strong>of</strong> that reality. The question is never simply, “Does this work?” but always “Does thiswork <strong>in</strong> the shadow <strong>of</strong> heaven?”Thursday, July 4, 2013In the <strong>Diocese</strong>s <strong>of</strong> the United States <strong>of</strong> America: Independence Day(read<strong>in</strong>gs are taken from among several options from Masses for Various Needs and Occasions)• In the words <strong>of</strong> Abraham L<strong>in</strong>coln, our nation was “conceived <strong>in</strong> liberty” and dedicated to theproposition that all men (and women) are created equal. Our work must be to safeguard ourfreedoms, rightly understood <strong>in</strong> harmony with the human nature God created for us. Our naturehas certa<strong>in</strong> moral limitations, which enable us to f<strong>in</strong>d and enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit <strong>of</strong>happ<strong>in</strong>ess.• One <strong>of</strong> the prefaces for this day states that the message <strong>of</strong> Christ—one <strong>of</strong> peace—“took form<strong>in</strong> the vision <strong>of</strong> our found<strong>in</strong>g fathers.” It goes on to say that Christ’s message “lives on <strong>in</strong> ourmidst as our task for today and a promise for tomorrow.” There is no contradiction between theGospel <strong>of</strong> Christ and the work <strong>of</strong> religious liberty.• As we celebrate the <strong>in</strong>dependence <strong>of</strong> our nation, we are rem<strong>in</strong>ded that true freedomis not only freedom from oppression and tyranny, but also freedom for the common good <strong>of</strong> allmen and women, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g their spiritual good. In the thanksgiv<strong>in</strong>g and prayer <strong>of</strong> this day, let usremember the spiritual needs <strong>of</strong> our country and <strong>of</strong> ourselves and pray for the deeper conversionto the truth <strong>of</strong> the Gospel for ourselves and for our civic leaders.
Litany for Liberty<strong>For</strong> use dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>United States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic BishopsThis prayer may be prayed <strong>in</strong> a group sett<strong>in</strong>g led by a leader <strong>of</strong> prayer, who beg<strong>in</strong>s thelitany with the <strong>in</strong>troduction and the announcement <strong>of</strong> each <strong>in</strong>vocation, or if it is prayed<strong>in</strong>dividually, the <strong>in</strong>dividual prays the entire prayer.INTRODUCTIONChrist the Lord has called us out <strong>of</strong> darkness <strong>in</strong>to his marvelous light.Let us turn to him <strong>in</strong> humble but fervent petition,seek<strong>in</strong>g the grace to root out from our hearts all trace <strong>of</strong> darkness,and all that holds us backfrom walk<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the full freedom <strong>of</strong> the children <strong>of</strong> God.As Christ is our great model for that <strong>in</strong>ner freedom,which enables us to do the right,let us turn to him with confidencethat we, too, may follow him to the fullness <strong>of</strong> spiritual freedom. Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy;Lord, have mercy.Christ, have mercy.Lord, have mercy. Jesus, victor over s<strong>in</strong> and death…Free our hearts.Jesus, source <strong>of</strong> light and hope…Free our hearts.Jesus, fullness <strong>of</strong> truth and mystery…Free our hearts.Jesus, teacher <strong>of</strong> seek<strong>in</strong>g hearts…Free our hearts.Jesus, healer <strong>of</strong> body and soul…Free our hearts.Jesus, br<strong>in</strong>ger <strong>of</strong> mercy and justice…Free our hearts.Jesus, who humble the heart and m<strong>in</strong>d… Free our hearts.Jesus, release <strong>of</strong> captives…Free our hearts.Jesus, voice aga<strong>in</strong>st violence…Free our hearts.Jesus, courage for the lowly/downtrodden… Free our hearts.Jesus, orig<strong>in</strong> <strong>of</strong> all authority and power… Free our hearts.Jesus, true lawgiver…Free our hearts.Jesus, unity <strong>of</strong> order and passion… Free our hearts.Jesus, freedom <strong>of</strong> the Spirit…Free our hearts.Jesus, obedient Son <strong>of</strong> the Father…Free our hearts.
<strong>For</strong> the freedom to love…Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to believe…Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to hope…Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to worship…Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to serve <strong>in</strong> charity…Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to care for the suffer<strong>in</strong>g… Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to comfort the sick…Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to feed the hungry…Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to shelter the homeless… Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to proclaim the Gospel… Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to walk <strong>in</strong> chastity…Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to live <strong>in</strong> peace…Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to work <strong>in</strong> good conscience… Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to stand <strong>in</strong> solidarity…Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to seek justice…Give us your grace. <strong>For</strong> the freedom to reject s<strong>in</strong>…Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to reject coercion…Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to reject falsehood…Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to reject evil temptations… Give us your grace.<strong>For</strong> the freedom to reject <strong>in</strong>justice…Give us your grace.CLOSING PRAYERO God, who gave one orig<strong>in</strong> to all peoplesand willed to gather from them one family for yourself,fill all hearts, we pray, with the fire <strong>of</strong> your loveand k<strong>in</strong>dle <strong>in</strong> them a desirefor the just advancement <strong>of</strong> their neighbor,that, through the good th<strong>in</strong>gs which you richly bestow upon all,each human person may be brought to perfection,every division may be removed,and equity and justice may be established <strong>in</strong> human society.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you <strong>in</strong> the unity <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit,one God for ever and ever.Amen.[Collect for the Mass “<strong>For</strong> the Progress <strong>of</strong> the Peoples,”Masses for Various Needs and Occasions, No. 29,Roman Missal, Third Edition]
Letanía por la LibertadPara uso durante la Qu<strong>in</strong>cena por la LibertadConferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados UnidosEsta letanía se puede rezar en grupo dirigido por monitor que la empieza con la<strong>in</strong>troducción, seguida por cada <strong>in</strong>vocación. Si se reza en privado, la persona la rezacompleta.INTRODUCCIÓNCristo el Señor nos ha llamado de la oscuridad a su luz admirable.Acudamos a él con nuestras humildes y fervientes peticiones,buscando la gracia para borrar de los corazones toda huella de oscuridad,y de todo lo que nos impideavanzar hacia la plena libertad de los hijos de Dios.Cristo es nuestro gran modelo para esa libertad <strong>in</strong>teriorque nos permite hacer el bien,acudamos a él confiados enque nosotros también lo podemos seguir hasta la plena libertad espiritual.V/. Señor, ten piedad;V/. Cristo, ten piedad;V/. Señor, ten piedad;R/. Señor, ten piedad.R/. Cristo, ten piedad.R/. Señor, ten piedad.V/.Jesús, vencedor sobre el pecado y la muerte…Jesús, fuente de luz y esperanza…Jesús, plenitud de la verdad y el misterio…Jesús, maestro de los corazones que buscan…Jesús, sanador de cuerpo y alma…Jesús, portador de misericordia y justicia…Jesús, humilde de corazón y alma…Jesús, liberación de los cautivos…Jesús, voz contra la violencia…Jesús, valor para los humildes y oprimidos…Jesús, fuente de toda autoridad y poder…Jesús, verdadero legislador…Jesús, unidad del orden y de la pasión…Jesús, libertad del Espíritu…Jesús, obediente Hijo del Padre…R/.Libera nuestros corazones.Libera nuestros corazones.Libera nuestros corazones.Libera nuestros corazones.Libera nuestros corazones.Libera nuestros corazones.Libera nuestros corazones.Libera nuestros corazones.Libera nuestros corazones.Libera nuestros corazones.Libera nuestros corazones.Libera nuestros corazones.Libera nuestros corazones.Libera nuestros corazones.Libera nuestros corazones.
V/.Para la libertad de amar…Para la libertad de creer…Para la libertad de esperar…Para la libertad de rendir culto…Para la libertad de servir en caridad…Para la libertad de cuidar a los que sufren…Para la libertad de confortar a los enfermos…Para la libertad de alimentar a los hambrientos…Para la libertad de refugiar a los desamparados…Para la libertad de proclamar el Evangelio…Para la libertad de cam<strong>in</strong>ar en castidad…Para la libertad de vivir en paz…Para la libertad de trabajar en buena conciencia…Para la libertad de cam<strong>in</strong>ar en solidaridad…Para la libertad de buscar justicia…R/.Danos tu gracia.Danos tu gracia.Danos tu gracia.Danos tu gracia.Danos tu gracia.Danos tu gracia.Danos tu gracia.Danos tu gracia.Danos tu gracia.Danos tu gracia.Danos tu gracia.Danos tu gracia.Danos tu gracia.Danos tu gracia.Danos tu gracia.V/.R/.Para la libertad de rechazar el pecado…Danos tu gracia.Para la libertad de rechazar la coerción…Danos tu gracia.Para la libertad de rechazar la falsedad…Danos tu gracia.Para la libertad de rechazar las tentaciones del mal… Danos tu gracia.Para la libertad de rechazar la <strong>in</strong>justicia…Danos tu gracia.ORACIÓN FINALOh Dios, que diste un origen idéntico a todos los pueblosy quisiste formar con ellos una sola familia en tu amor,llena los corazones del fuego de tu caridad ysuscita en todos los fieles el deseo de un progreso justo y fraternal,para que, con los bienes que generosamente repartes entre todosse realice cada uno como persona humana,y, suprimida toda discrim<strong>in</strong>ación,re<strong>in</strong>en en el mundo la igualdad y la justicia.Por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijoque vive y re<strong>in</strong>a contigo en la unidad del Espíritu Santo,y es Dios, por los siglos de los siglos.R/. Amén.[Oración Colecta para la misa “Por el progreso de los pueblos”,Misas por las necesidades públicas, No. 21,Misal Romano, Tercera Edición]
Religious <strong>Freedom</strong>Ecumenical Prayer Service Outl<strong>in</strong>eOpen<strong>in</strong>g HymnTo be selected from the local hymnalWelcome by church leadersScripture Read<strong>in</strong>g(s)Suggested Passages:OLD TESTAMENT“Thus says the LORD, the God <strong>of</strong> Israel: Let my people go, that they may celebratea feast to me <strong>in</strong> the desert.” Pharaoh answered, “Who is the LORD, that I shouldheed his plea to let Israel go?” (Ex 5:1-2)Pharaoh then summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Go and worship the LORD.Your little ones, too, may go with you. But your flocks and herds must rema<strong>in</strong>.”Moses replied, “You must also grant us sacrifices and holocausts to <strong>of</strong>fer up tothe LORD, our God. Hence, our livestock also must go with us. Not an animalmust be left beh<strong>in</strong>d. Some <strong>of</strong> them we must sacrifice to the LORD, our God.” (Ex10:24-26)“They shall take some <strong>of</strong> its blood and apply it to the two doorposts and the l<strong>in</strong>tel<strong>of</strong> every house <strong>in</strong> which they partake <strong>of</strong> the lamb.” (Ex 12:7)“<strong>For</strong> remember that you too were once slaves <strong>in</strong> the land <strong>of</strong> Egypt, and the LORD,your God, ransomed you. That is why I am giv<strong>in</strong>g you this command today.” (Dt15:15)“You come aga<strong>in</strong>st me with sword and spear and scimitar, but I come aga<strong>in</strong>st you<strong>in</strong> the name <strong>of</strong> the LORD <strong>of</strong> hosts, the God <strong>of</strong> the armies <strong>of</strong> Israel” (1 Sm 17:45)The horse is equipped for the day <strong>of</strong> battle, but victory is the LORD’s. (Pv 21:31)NEW TESTAMENTBut Peter and the apostles said <strong>in</strong> reply, “We must obey God rather than men.”(Acts 5:29)PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
How can we who died to s<strong>in</strong> yet live <strong>in</strong> it? …. <strong>For</strong> a dead person has beenabsolved from s<strong>in</strong>. If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shallalso live with him. (Rom 6: 2, 7-8)Consequently, you too must th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>of</strong> yourselves as be<strong>in</strong>g dead to s<strong>in</strong> and liv<strong>in</strong>g forGod <strong>in</strong> Christ Jesus. Therefore, s<strong>in</strong> must not reign over your mortal bodies sothat you obey their desires. (Rom 6:11-12)But what pr<strong>of</strong>it did you get then from the th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>of</strong> which you are now ashamed?<strong>For</strong> the end <strong>of</strong> those th<strong>in</strong>gs is death. But now that you have been freed from s<strong>in</strong>and have become slaves <strong>of</strong> God, the benefit that you have leads to sanctification,and its end is eternal life. (Rom 6:21-22)So, then, I discover the pr<strong>in</strong>ciple that when I want to do right, evil is at hand. <strong>For</strong>I take delight <strong>in</strong> the law <strong>of</strong> God, <strong>in</strong> my <strong>in</strong>ner self, but I see <strong>in</strong> my members anotherpr<strong>in</strong>ciple at war with the law <strong>of</strong> my m<strong>in</strong>d, tak<strong>in</strong>g me captive to the law <strong>of</strong> s<strong>in</strong> thatdwells <strong>in</strong> my members. Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from thismortal body? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 7:21-25)<strong>For</strong> you did not receive a spirit <strong>of</strong> slavery to fall back <strong>in</strong>to fear, but you received aspirit <strong>of</strong> adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father!” (Rom 8:15)We endure everyth<strong>in</strong>g so as not to place an obstacle to the gospel <strong>of</strong> Christ. (1Cor 9:12)No one should seek his own advantage, but that <strong>of</strong> his neighbor. (1 Cor 10:24)<strong>For</strong> why should my freedom be determ<strong>in</strong>ed by someone else’s conscience? (1 Cor10:29)Whatever you do, do everyth<strong>in</strong>g for the glory <strong>of</strong> God. (1 Cor 10:31)Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit <strong>of</strong> the Lord is, there is freedom. (2Cor 3:17)Then after fourteen years I aga<strong>in</strong> went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, tak<strong>in</strong>gTitus along also. I went up <strong>in</strong> accord with a revelation, and I presented to themthe gospel that I preach to the Gentiles—but privately to those <strong>of</strong> repute—so that Imight not be runn<strong>in</strong>g, or have run, <strong>in</strong> va<strong>in</strong>. Moreover, not even Titus, who waswith me, although he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised, but because<strong>of</strong> the false brothers secretly brought <strong>in</strong>, who slipped <strong>in</strong> to spy on our freedom thatwe have <strong>in</strong> Christ Jesus, that they might enslave us—to them we did not submiteven for a moment, so that the truth <strong>of</strong> the gospel might rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>tact for you.(Gal 2:1-5)PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
I mean that as long as the heir is not <strong>of</strong> age, he is no different from a slave,although he is the owner <strong>of</strong> everyth<strong>in</strong>g, but he is under the supervision <strong>of</strong>guardians and adm<strong>in</strong>istrators until the date set by his father. In the same way wealso, when we were not <strong>of</strong> age, were enslaved to the elemental powers <strong>of</strong> theworld. But when the fullness <strong>of</strong> time had come, God sent his Son, born <strong>of</strong> awoman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we mightreceive adoption. As pro<strong>of</strong> that you are children, God sent the spirit <strong>of</strong> his Son<strong>in</strong>to our hearts, cry<strong>in</strong>g out, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but achild, and if a child then also an heir, through God. At a time when you did notknow God, you became slaves to th<strong>in</strong>gs that by nature are not gods; but now thatyou have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turnback aga<strong>in</strong> to the weak and destitute elemental powers? Do you want to be slavesto them all over aga<strong>in</strong>? You are observ<strong>in</strong>g days, months, seasons, and years. Iam afraid on your account that perhaps I have labored for you <strong>in</strong> va<strong>in</strong>. (Gal 4:1-11)<strong>For</strong> it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and theother by the freeborn woman. The son <strong>of</strong> the slave woman was born naturally,the son <strong>of</strong> the freeborn through a promise. … Therefore, brothers, we are childrennot <strong>of</strong> the slave woman but <strong>of</strong> the freeborn woman. <strong>For</strong> freedom Christ set usfree; so stand firm and do not submit aga<strong>in</strong> to the yoke <strong>of</strong> slavery. (Gal 4:22-23,31—5:1)<strong>For</strong> you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as anopportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love. <strong>For</strong> the wholelaw is fulfilled <strong>in</strong> one statement, namely, “You shall love your neighbor asyourself.” (Gal 5:13-14)Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak,slow to wrath, for the wrath <strong>of</strong> a man does not accomplish the righteousness <strong>of</strong>God. Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the wordthat has been planted <strong>in</strong> you and is able to save your souls. Be doers <strong>of</strong> the wordand not hearers only, delud<strong>in</strong>g yourselves. <strong>For</strong> if anyone is a hearer <strong>of</strong> the wordand not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his own face <strong>in</strong> a mirror. He seeshimself, then goes <strong>of</strong>f and promptly forgets what he looked like. But the one whopeers <strong>in</strong>to the perfect law <strong>of</strong> freedom and perseveres, and is not a hearer wh<strong>of</strong>orgets but a doer who acts, such a one shall be blessed <strong>in</strong> what he does. (Jas1:22-25)Be free, yet without us<strong>in</strong>g freedom as a pretext for evil, but as slaves <strong>of</strong> God. Givehonor to all, love the community, fear God, honor the k<strong>in</strong>g. (1 Pt 2:16-17)Christ also suffered for you, leav<strong>in</strong>g you an example that you should follow <strong>in</strong> hisfootsteps. “He committed no s<strong>in</strong>, and no deceit was found <strong>in</strong> his mouth.” Whenhe was <strong>in</strong>sulted, he returned no <strong>in</strong>sult; when he suffered, he did not threaten;<strong>in</strong>stead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly. He himself bore ourPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
s<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> his body upon the cross, so that, free from s<strong>in</strong>, we might live forrighteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. <strong>For</strong> you had gone astraylike sheep, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian <strong>of</strong> your souls.(1 Pt 2:21-25)Sung ResponseA responsorial psalm from the local hymnal that <strong>in</strong>corporates one <strong>of</strong>these passages is suggested:Blessed the man who follows notthe counsel <strong>of</strong> the wicked,Nor walks <strong>in</strong> the way <strong>of</strong> s<strong>in</strong>ners,nor sits <strong>in</strong> the company <strong>of</strong> the <strong>in</strong>solent,But delights <strong>in</strong> the law <strong>of</strong> the LORDand meditates on his law day and night. (Ps 1:1-2)O LORD, I am your servant;I am your servant, the son <strong>of</strong> your handmaid;you have loosed my bonds.To you will I <strong>of</strong>fer sacrifice <strong>of</strong> thanksgiv<strong>in</strong>g,and I will call upon the name <strong>of</strong> the LORD. (Ps 116:16-17)So shall I have an answer for those who reproach me,for I trust <strong>in</strong> your words.Take not the word <strong>of</strong> truth from my mouth,for <strong>in</strong> your ord<strong>in</strong>ances is my hope.And I will keep your law cont<strong>in</strong>ually,forever and ever.And I will walk at liberty,because I seek your precepts.I will speak <strong>of</strong> your decrees before k<strong>in</strong>gswithout be<strong>in</strong>g ashamed. (Ps 119:42-46)GospelSuggested Passages:“If you rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know thetruth, and the truth will set you free.” (Jn 8:31-32)Jesus said to those Jews who believed <strong>in</strong> him, “If you rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> my word, you willtruly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”They answered him, “We are descendants <strong>of</strong> Abraham and have never beenenslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answeredPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits s<strong>in</strong> is a slave <strong>of</strong> s<strong>in</strong>. Aslave does not rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> a household forever, but a son always rema<strong>in</strong>s. So if theSon frees you, then you will truly be free.” (Jn 8:31-36)Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me if it had not been givento you from above. <strong>For</strong> this reason the one who handed me over to you has thegreater s<strong>in</strong>.” (Jn 19:11)Homily/Reflections by church leadersNicene CreedPrayers <strong>of</strong> Intercession for Religious <strong>Freedom</strong><strong>For</strong> suggested <strong>in</strong>tercessory prayers see attached documentSign <strong>of</strong> PeaceThe Lord’s PrayerBenediction/Send<strong>in</strong>g <strong>For</strong>thClos<strong>in</strong>g HymnTo be selected from the local hymnalScripture texts <strong>in</strong> this work are taken from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament © 1986, 1970Confraternity <strong>of</strong> Christian Doctr<strong>in</strong>e, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, D.C. and are used by permission <strong>of</strong> the copyright owner. AllRights Reserved. No part <strong>of</strong> the New American Bible may be reproduced <strong>in</strong> any form without permission <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>gfrom the copyright owner.PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
Day 1 June 21, 2013Reflections for theFORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOMThese reflections and read<strong>in</strong>gs from the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae) are <strong>in</strong>tendedfor daily use dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>, a national campaign designated by the U.S. Catholic bishops for teach<strong>in</strong>g and witness<strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty. The read<strong>in</strong>gs and the questions that follow can be used for group discussion or for personal reflection.The Vatican Synod declares that thehuman person has a right to religious freedom. Thisfreedom means that all men are to be immune fromcoercion on the part <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividuals or <strong>of</strong> social groupsand <strong>of</strong> any human power, <strong>in</strong> such wise that <strong>in</strong> mattersreligious no one is to be forced to act <strong>in</strong> a mannercontrary to his own beliefs. Nor is anyone to berestra<strong>in</strong>ed from act<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> accordance with his ownbeliefs, whether privately or publically, whether aloneor <strong>in</strong> association with others, with<strong>in</strong> due limits.The Synod further declares that the right to religiousfreedom has its foundation <strong>in</strong> the very dignity<strong>of</strong> the human person, as this dignity is known throughthe revealed Word <strong>of</strong> God and by reason itself. Thisright <strong>of</strong> the human person to religious freedom is to berecognized <strong>in</strong> the constitutional law whereby society isgoverned. Thus it is to become a civil right.a dignity and worth that exceeds the rest <strong>of</strong> creationand that cannot be violated, but rather needs to beprotected and fostered.What human be<strong>in</strong>gs believe concern<strong>in</strong>g God is <strong>of</strong>supreme importance. Religious belief lies at the verycenter <strong>of</strong> who we are <strong>in</strong> relation to what is most centraland cherished <strong>in</strong> our lives. Therefore, the Council<strong>in</strong>sists that the religious convictions <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividualsor groups should never be coerced but must be heldfreely, protected by a civil constitutional right.What challenges to religious liberty do you seewith<strong>in</strong> our contemporary world? When the Councilsays that religious liberty must be upheld “with<strong>in</strong> duelimits,” what would fall outside <strong>of</strong> “due limits”? Whatreligious belief would seriously <strong>of</strong>fend the moral orderor a just law?Declaration on Religious Liberty(Dignitatis Humanae), no. 2December 7, 1965Reflection for Day OneIn the open<strong>in</strong>g chapter <strong>of</strong> Declaration on ReligiousLiberty, the Council Fathers at Vatican II forthrightlydeclared that “the human person has a rightto religious freedom.” This right is founded upon the<strong>in</strong>tr<strong>in</strong>sic dignity <strong>of</strong> the human person. From God’srevelation we know that the dignity <strong>of</strong> human be<strong>in</strong>gsresides <strong>in</strong> their be<strong>in</strong>g created <strong>in</strong> the image and likeness<strong>of</strong> God (Gn 1:27). Like God we are <strong>in</strong>telligentbe<strong>in</strong>gs with free will. Because <strong>of</strong> this we can knowthe truth and perform God-like actions, such as be<strong>in</strong>glov<strong>in</strong>g, k<strong>in</strong>d, forgiv<strong>in</strong>g, etc. Reason itself, <strong>in</strong> know<strong>in</strong>gwhat a human be<strong>in</strong>g is, confirms that we possessExcerpts from The Documents <strong>of</strong> Vatican II, Walter M. Abbott,SJ, General Editor, copyright © 1966 by America Press, Inc.Repr<strong>in</strong>ted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2012, United States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton,DC. All rights reserved.
Day 2 June 22, 2013Reflections for theFORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOMThese reflections and read<strong>in</strong>gs from the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae) are <strong>in</strong>tendedfor daily use dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>, a national campaign designated by the U.S. Catholic bishops for teach<strong>in</strong>g and witness<strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty. The read<strong>in</strong>gs and the questions that follow can be used for group discussion or for personal reflection.It is <strong>in</strong> accordance with their dignity as persons—thatis, be<strong>in</strong>g endowed with reason and freewill and therefore privileged to bear personal responsibility—thatall men should be at once impelled bynature and also bound by a moral obligation to seekthe truth, especially religious truth. They are alsobound to adhere to the truth, once it is known, andto order their whole lives <strong>in</strong> accord with the demands<strong>of</strong> truth.However, men cannot discharge these obligations<strong>in</strong> a manner <strong>in</strong> keep<strong>in</strong>g with their own natureunless they enjoy immunity from external coercion aswell as psychological freedom. Therefore, the right toreligious freedom has its foundation, not <strong>in</strong> the subjectivedisposition <strong>of</strong> the person, but <strong>in</strong> his very nature.In consequence, the right to this immunity cont<strong>in</strong>ues toexist even <strong>in</strong> those who do not live up to their obligation<strong>of</strong> seek<strong>in</strong>g the truth and adher<strong>in</strong>g to it. Nor is theexercise <strong>of</strong> this right to be impeded, provided that thejust requirements <strong>of</strong> public order are observed.follow their conscience. As long as what they believedoes not <strong>in</strong>fr<strong>in</strong>ge the just rights <strong>of</strong> others, they cannotbe coerced <strong>in</strong>to giv<strong>in</strong>g up or chang<strong>in</strong>g whatthey believe.Moreover, the Council states that <strong>in</strong> order forhuman be<strong>in</strong>gs to fulfill their obligation to seek thetruth and live by it, they must be free to do so. Noone or no authority is to force them to believe someth<strong>in</strong>gto which they themselves have not freely giventheir consent.Why does the Council stress the need to seekfreely religious truth? Why do those who believe whatis actually false still possess religious freedom?Declaration on Religious Liberty(Dignitatis Humanae), no. 2December 7, 1965Reflection for Day TwoThe Council Fathers note that it is precisely becausehuman be<strong>in</strong>gs are “endowed with reason and freewill” that they naturally seek what is true and goodand also, then, have “a moral obligation” to searchfor the truth. This is especially the case <strong>of</strong> seek<strong>in</strong>greligious truth. Moreover, the truth they believethey have come to know b<strong>in</strong>ds them to that truth.Even if the “truth” they believe is not actually true,yet, because they believe it is true, they are bound toExcerpts from The Documents <strong>of</strong> Vatican II, Walter M. Abbott,SJ, General Editor, copyright © 1966 by America Press, Inc.Repr<strong>in</strong>ted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2012, United States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton,DC. All rights reserved.
Day 3 June 23, 2013Reflections for theFORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOMThese reflections and read<strong>in</strong>gs from the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae) are <strong>in</strong>tendedfor daily use dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>, a national campaign designated by the U.S. Catholic bishops for teach<strong>in</strong>g and witness<strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty. The read<strong>in</strong>gs and the questions that follow can be used for group discussion or for personal reflection.Further light is shed on the subject if one considersthat the highest norm <strong>of</strong> human life is the div<strong>in</strong>elaw—eternal, objective, and universal—whereby Godorders, directs, and governs the entire universe and allthe ways <strong>of</strong> human community, by a plan conceived<strong>in</strong> wisdom and love. Man has been made by God toparticipate <strong>in</strong> this law, with the result that, under thegentle disposition <strong>of</strong> div<strong>in</strong>e Providence, he can come toperceive ever <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly the unchang<strong>in</strong>g truth. Henceevery man has the duty, and therefore the right, to seekthe truth <strong>in</strong> matters religious, <strong>in</strong> order that he may withprudence form for himself right and true judgments <strong>of</strong>conscience, with the use <strong>of</strong> all suitable means.Truth, however, is to be sought after <strong>in</strong> a mannerproper to the dignity <strong>of</strong> the human person and hissocial nature. The <strong>in</strong>quiry is to be free, carried on withthe aid <strong>of</strong> teach<strong>in</strong>g or <strong>in</strong>struction, communication, anddialogue. In the course <strong>of</strong> these, men expla<strong>in</strong> to oneanother the truth they have discovered, or th<strong>in</strong>k theyhave discovered, <strong>in</strong> order thus to assist one another <strong>in</strong>the quest for truth. Moreover, as the truth is discovered,it is by a personal assent that men are to adhere to it.Declaration on Religious Liberty(Dignitatis Humanae), no. 3December 7, 1965Reflection for Day ThreeGod is the author <strong>of</strong> all truth and all good. All <strong>of</strong>what is true and good <strong>in</strong> our world and cosmos f<strong>in</strong>dsits source <strong>in</strong> God, the Creator <strong>of</strong> all. Moreover, whatis true and good about ourselves as human be<strong>in</strong>gsf<strong>in</strong>ds its source <strong>in</strong> God <strong>in</strong> that he created us <strong>in</strong> hisimage and likeness. Thus, for the Council Fathers, allthat exists is <strong>in</strong> conformity with the div<strong>in</strong>e law, theprovidential plan <strong>of</strong> God.Because <strong>of</strong> this, the Council emphasizes thattruth must be “sought after <strong>in</strong> a manner proper to thedignity <strong>of</strong> the human person and his social nature.”This means that human be<strong>in</strong>gs must be free to seekthe truth. However, human be<strong>in</strong>gs do not seek thetruth as isolated <strong>in</strong>dividuals. The search for the truthis common to all, and so all share <strong>in</strong> the f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong>truth and all share <strong>in</strong> the receiv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> truth from others.Because the search for truth, the f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> truth,and the shar<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> truth is a social exercise, humanbe<strong>in</strong>gs must not only be free to search for truth <strong>in</strong> thehope <strong>of</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g it, they must also be free to communicateand discuss together the truth they believe theyhave found. It is through our free assent that we eachpersonally lay hold <strong>of</strong> the truth.What are the contemporary means <strong>of</strong> seek<strong>in</strong>g,f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g, and shar<strong>in</strong>g truth? In what ways can this freedomto seek, to f<strong>in</strong>d, and to share be <strong>in</strong>hibited?Excerpts from The Documents <strong>of</strong> Vatican II, Walter M. Abbott,SJ, General Editor, copyright © 1966 by America Press, Inc.Repr<strong>in</strong>ted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2012, United States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton,DC. All rights reserved.
Day 4 June 24, 2013Reflections for theFORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOMThese reflections and read<strong>in</strong>gs from the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae) are <strong>in</strong>tendedfor daily use dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>, a national campaign designated by the U.S. Catholic bishops for teach<strong>in</strong>g and witness<strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty. The read<strong>in</strong>gs and the questions that follow can be used for group discussion or for personal reflection.On his part, man perceives and acknowledgesthe imperatives <strong>of</strong> the div<strong>in</strong>e law through the mediation<strong>of</strong> conscience. In all his activity a man is bound t<strong>of</strong>ollow his conscience faithfully, <strong>in</strong> order that he maycome to God, for whom he was created. It followsthat he is not to be forced to act <strong>in</strong> a manner contraryto his conscience. Nor, on the other hand, is he to berestra<strong>in</strong>ed from act<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> accordance with his conscience,especially <strong>in</strong> matters religious.<strong>For</strong>, <strong>of</strong> its very nature, the exercise <strong>of</strong> religionconsists before all else <strong>in</strong> those <strong>in</strong>ternal, voluntary, andfree acts whereby man sets the course <strong>of</strong> life directlytoward God. No merely human power can either commandor prohibit acts <strong>of</strong> this k<strong>in</strong>d.However, the social nature <strong>of</strong> man itself requiresthat he should give external expression to his <strong>in</strong>ternalacts <strong>of</strong> religion; that he should participate with others<strong>in</strong> matters religious; that he should pr<strong>of</strong>ess his religion<strong>in</strong> community. Injury, therefore, is done to the humanperson and to the very order established by God forhuman life, if the free exercise <strong>of</strong> religion is denied <strong>in</strong>society when the just requirements <strong>of</strong> public order donot so require.accordance with his or her conscience. This is especiallythe case when it <strong>in</strong>volves one’s religious beliefs.The Council Fathers note that this applies not onlyto one’s <strong>in</strong>ternal private religious acts but also topublic communal religious acts. Human be<strong>in</strong>gs holdreligious beliefs with<strong>in</strong> a community <strong>of</strong> like-m<strong>in</strong>dedbelievers and so have the right to publicly live outtheir beliefs. To forbid the just and proper publicexpressions <strong>of</strong> religious belief would be contrary to theorder that God has established for human be<strong>in</strong>gs associal and religious be<strong>in</strong>gs.The Council Fathers want to ensure that religiousliberty is understood to be both private and public. Itcannot be limited to what takes places <strong>in</strong> houses <strong>of</strong>worship. Rather, s<strong>in</strong>ce religion is by its nature a socialphenomenon, its presence with<strong>in</strong> the broader societyand culture should not be h<strong>in</strong>dered or forbidden.In what ways is religion be<strong>in</strong>g reduced to themerely personal and private? Why should religionhave a voice <strong>in</strong> the public square?Declaration on Religious Liberty(Dignitatis Humanae), no. 3December 7, 1965Reflection for Day FourIt is through their consciences that human be<strong>in</strong>gsperceive the requirements <strong>of</strong> the div<strong>in</strong>e law. Humanbe<strong>in</strong>gs must follow faithfully their conscience if theyare to grow <strong>in</strong> their knowledge <strong>of</strong> and union withGod. Aga<strong>in</strong>, the Council restates that, because <strong>of</strong>this, no one should either be forced to act contraryto his or her conscience or be forbidden to act <strong>in</strong>Excerpts from The Documents <strong>of</strong> Vatican II, Walter M. Abbott,SJ, General Editor, copyright © 1966 by America Press, Inc.Repr<strong>in</strong>ted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2012, United States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton,DC. All rights reserved.
Day 5 June 25, 2013Reflections for theFORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOMThese reflections and read<strong>in</strong>gs from the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae) are <strong>in</strong>tendedfor daily use dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>, a national campaign designated by the U.S. Catholic bishops for teach<strong>in</strong>g and witness<strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty. The read<strong>in</strong>gs and the questions that follow can be used for group discussion or for personal reflection.There is a further consideration. The religiousacts whereby men, <strong>in</strong> private and <strong>in</strong> public and out<strong>of</strong> a sense <strong>of</strong> personal conviction, direct their lives toGod transcend by their very nature the order <strong>of</strong> terrestrialand temporal affairs. Government, therefore,ought <strong>in</strong>deed to take account <strong>of</strong> the religious life <strong>of</strong> thepeople and show it favor, s<strong>in</strong>ce the function <strong>of</strong> governmentis to make provision for the common welfare.However, it would clearly transgress the limits set to itspower were it to presume to direct or <strong>in</strong>hibit acts thatare religious.good <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividuals as well as to the good <strong>of</strong> society asa whole.How does religion contribute to the good <strong>of</strong> society?In what ways might it h<strong>in</strong>der the good <strong>of</strong> society?Do contemporary Western governments view religion<strong>in</strong> a positive or negative light? How can governmentstoday foster or aid the good <strong>of</strong> religious belief?Declaration on Religious Liberty(Dignitatis Humanae), no. 3December 7, 1965Reflection for Day FiveWhat the Council Fathers teach <strong>in</strong> this short paragraphis very important. They previously stated thatgovernments should not deny religious liberty. Herethey state what governments should positively dowith regards to religion. S<strong>in</strong>ce people, through theirreligious beliefs, direct their lives toward God, governmentsare positively to take this <strong>in</strong>to account. Notonly should governments not h<strong>in</strong>der religious life,they should also “show it favor.” S<strong>in</strong>ce religious beliefis a good with<strong>in</strong> culture and society, governmentsshould foster and aid the good that religion br<strong>in</strong>gsto the commonwealth. This does not mean that agovernment should favor one religion over another orthat it should attempt to direct what religions shouldbelieve or do. Rather, governments are to create anenvironment <strong>in</strong> which religious life flourishes for thegood <strong>of</strong> all. In provid<strong>in</strong>g such an environment wherereligious life prospers, governments contribute to theExcerpts from The Documents <strong>of</strong> Vatican II, Walter M. Abbott,SJ, General Editor, copyright © 1966 by America Press, Inc.Repr<strong>in</strong>ted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2012, United States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton,DC. All rights reserved.
Day 6 June 26, 2013Reflections for theFORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOMThese reflections and read<strong>in</strong>gs from the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae) are <strong>in</strong>tendedfor daily use dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>, a national campaign designated by the U.S. Catholic bishops for teach<strong>in</strong>g and witness<strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty. The read<strong>in</strong>gs and the questions that follow can be used for group discussion or for personal reflection.The freedom or immunity from coercion <strong>in</strong>matters religious which is the endowment <strong>of</strong> personsas <strong>in</strong>dividuals is also to be recognized as their rightwhen they act <strong>in</strong> community. Religious bodies are arequirement <strong>of</strong> the social nature both <strong>of</strong> man and <strong>of</strong>religion itself.Provided the just requirements <strong>of</strong> public order areobserved, religious bodies rightfully claim freedom <strong>in</strong>order that they may govern themselves accord<strong>in</strong>g totheir own norms, honor the Supreme Be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> publicworship, assist their members <strong>in</strong> the practice <strong>of</strong> thereligious life, strengthen them by <strong>in</strong>struction, and promote<strong>in</strong>stitutions <strong>in</strong> which they may jo<strong>in</strong> together for thepurpose <strong>of</strong> order<strong>in</strong>g their lives <strong>in</strong> accordance with theirreligious pr<strong>in</strong>ciples.Religious bodies also have the right not to beh<strong>in</strong>dered, either by legal measures or by adm<strong>in</strong>istrativeaction on the part <strong>of</strong> government, <strong>in</strong> the selection,tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, appo<strong>in</strong>tment, and transferral <strong>of</strong> their own m<strong>in</strong>isters,<strong>in</strong> communicat<strong>in</strong>g with religious authorities andcommunities abroad, <strong>in</strong> erect<strong>in</strong>g build<strong>in</strong>gs for religiouspurposes, and <strong>in</strong> the acquisition and use <strong>of</strong> suitablefunds or properties.believe. They must be free to gather for worship, to<strong>in</strong>struct their members, and to develop <strong>in</strong>stitutionsthat further the religious life <strong>of</strong> their members. Fromwith<strong>in</strong> the Catholic tradition this would <strong>in</strong>clude religious<strong>in</strong>stitutes and orders, schools, fraternities andsodalities, prayer groups, and Bible study groups.Likewise, religious bodies must be free to appo<strong>in</strong>tand tra<strong>in</strong> their own m<strong>in</strong>isters. <strong>For</strong> Catholics, thatmeans the Church’s freedom at least to appo<strong>in</strong>tbishops and orda<strong>in</strong> priests. It also means that Catholicsare free to be loyal to their church and its leaderswhile also be<strong>in</strong>g loyal to their country and its leaders.Religious bodies should also be free to govern themselvesf<strong>in</strong>ancially.Consider examples <strong>in</strong> contemporary life wheregovernments—federal, state, or local—fail to respectthe above rights? What is the relationship betweenthe religious freedom <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividuals and <strong>in</strong>stitutions?Declaration on Religious Liberty(Dignitatis Humanae), no. 4December 7, 1965Reflection for Day SixThe Council once more addresses the public nature <strong>of</strong>religious belief. Religious communities have a right toact as a community <strong>of</strong> faith, for this is <strong>in</strong>herent with<strong>in</strong>the social nature <strong>of</strong> human be<strong>in</strong>gs and religious beliefitself. Provided that the just civil and religious rights<strong>of</strong> others are not transgressed, religious bodies mustpossess the freedom to live out publicly what theyExcerpts from The Documents <strong>of</strong> Vatican II, Walter M. Abbott,SJ, General Editor, copyright © 1966 by America Press, Inc.Repr<strong>in</strong>ted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2012, United States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton,DC. All rights reserved.
Day 7 June 27, 2013Reflections for theFORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOMThese reflections and read<strong>in</strong>gs from the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae) are <strong>in</strong>tendedfor daily use dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>, a national campaign designated by the U.S. Catholic bishops for teach<strong>in</strong>g and witness<strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty. The read<strong>in</strong>gs and the questions that follow can be used for group discussion or for personal reflection.Religious bodies also have the right notto be h<strong>in</strong>dered <strong>in</strong> their public teach<strong>in</strong>g and witnessto their faith, whether by the spoken or by the writtenword. However, <strong>in</strong> spread<strong>in</strong>g religious faith and <strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>troduc<strong>in</strong>g religious practices, everyone ought at alltimes to refra<strong>in</strong> from any manner <strong>of</strong> action which mightseem to carry a h<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> coercion or <strong>of</strong> a k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>of</strong> persuasionthat would be dishonorable or unworthy, especiallywhen deal<strong>in</strong>g with poor or uneducated people.Such a manner <strong>of</strong> action would have to be consideredan abuse <strong>of</strong> one’s own right and a violation <strong>of</strong> therights <strong>of</strong> others.In addition, it comes with<strong>in</strong> the mean<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> religiousfreedom that religious bodies should not beprohibited from freely undertak<strong>in</strong>g to show the specialvalue <strong>of</strong> their doctr<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> what concerns the organization<strong>of</strong> society and the <strong>in</strong>spiration <strong>of</strong> the whole <strong>of</strong>human activity. F<strong>in</strong>ally, the social nature <strong>of</strong> man andthe very nature <strong>of</strong> religion afford the foundation <strong>of</strong> theright <strong>of</strong> men freely to hold meet<strong>in</strong>gs and to establisheducational, cultural, charitable, and social organizations,under the impulse <strong>of</strong> their own religious sense.and freedom must be ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed. The accept<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong>religious beliefs must be an act <strong>of</strong> freedom, otherwiseit is done not because it is believed to be true butrather out <strong>of</strong> fear and force. The right to pr<strong>of</strong>ess andproclaim one’s own faith cannot violate the sameright <strong>of</strong> another.That be<strong>in</strong>g said, religious bodies should be free toprovide reasons as to why their beliefs are true andwhy it would be <strong>of</strong> value for others to believe whatthey believe. They should also be free to address howtheir beliefs contribute to the good <strong>of</strong> society.What contemporary examples are there <strong>of</strong> religiousbodies us<strong>in</strong>g coercion <strong>in</strong> an attempt to spreadtheir faith or h<strong>in</strong>der<strong>in</strong>g others from exercis<strong>in</strong>g theirfaith? What contributions does the Catholic Churchmake to society and culture?Declaration on Religious Liberty(Dignitatis Humanae), no. 4December 7, 1965Reflection for Day SevenWhile the Council Fathers <strong>in</strong>sist that religious bodiesmust be free to teach and bear witness to their faith,they equally stress that this freedom must never beabused. It is not only governments that can deny theirfreedom; <strong>in</strong> attempt<strong>in</strong>g to spread their own beliefs,religions should not force others, physically or psychologically,to convert. Rather, each person’s dignityExcerpts from The Documents <strong>of</strong> Vatican II, Walter M. Abbott,SJ, General Editor, copyright © 1966 by America Press, Inc.Repr<strong>in</strong>ted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2012, United States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton,DC. All rights reserved.
Day 8 June 28, 2013Reflections for theFORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOMThese reflections and read<strong>in</strong>gs from the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae) are <strong>in</strong>tendedfor daily use dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>, a national campaign designated by the U.S. Catholic bishops for teach<strong>in</strong>g and witness<strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty. The read<strong>in</strong>gs and the questions that follow can be used for group discussion or for personal reflection.S<strong>in</strong>ce the family is a society <strong>in</strong> its own orig<strong>in</strong>alright, it has the right freely to live its own domesticreligious life under the guidance <strong>of</strong> parents. Parents,moreover, have the right to determ<strong>in</strong>e, <strong>in</strong> accordancewith their own religious beliefs, the k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>of</strong> religiouseducation that their children are to receive.Government, <strong>in</strong> consequence, must acknowledgethe right <strong>of</strong> parents to make a genu<strong>in</strong>ely free choice <strong>of</strong>schools and <strong>of</strong> other means <strong>of</strong> education. The use <strong>of</strong>this freedom <strong>of</strong> choice is not to be made a reason forimpos<strong>in</strong>g unjust burdens on parents, whether directlyor <strong>in</strong>directly. Besides, the rights <strong>of</strong> parents are violatedif their children are forced to attend lessons or <strong>in</strong>structionswhich are not <strong>in</strong> agreement with their religiousbeliefs. The same is true if a s<strong>in</strong>gle system <strong>of</strong> education,from which all religious formation is excluded, isimposed upon all.Declaration on Religious Liberty(Dignitatis Humanae), no. 5December 7, 1965Reflection for Day EightThe Council Fathers now address the religious freedomthat is enjoyed by the family. Families have theright to live out their faith with<strong>in</strong> the family. Moreover,parents have a natural right to religiously guidetheir families. They are the ones who have primaryresponsibility for the care and education <strong>of</strong> theirchildren, and this is especially true <strong>of</strong> the religiouseducation <strong>of</strong> their children. Thus, while parents areprimarily responsible for the religious education, theyare also free to choose the k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>of</strong> religious educationtheir children receive.From with<strong>in</strong> the Catholic tradition, Vatican IIstated that the family is a “domestic church,” that is,it is with<strong>in</strong> the family that children are first taught theGospel, are taught to pray and to keep the Commandments.Together the members <strong>of</strong> a family live out theGospel life <strong>of</strong> love. In keep<strong>in</strong>g with this, the Councilstates that parents must be free to choose their children’sschool<strong>in</strong>g. The exercise <strong>of</strong> this freedom shouldnot be the cause <strong>of</strong> undue f<strong>in</strong>ancial burdens uponthe family. Likewise, children should not be forcedto attend <strong>in</strong>struction that is contrary to the religiousbelief <strong>of</strong> their families. Lastly, if there is only one form<strong>of</strong> education with<strong>in</strong> a country, this does not mean thatall religious <strong>in</strong>struction should be forbidden. Accommodationis to be made. What we see here is theChurch ardently want<strong>in</strong>g to assure a broad and extensivescope for families to live out their faith as families,and this extends to the education <strong>of</strong> children.Why is the above important for parents and theirfamilies? Are the above aspects <strong>of</strong> domestic religiousfreedom jeopardized today?Excerpts from The Documents <strong>of</strong> Vatican II, Walter M. Abbott,SJ, General Editor, copyright © 1966 by America Press, Inc.Repr<strong>in</strong>ted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2012, United States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton,DC. All rights reserved.
Day 9 June 29, 2013Reflections for theFORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOMThese reflections and read<strong>in</strong>gs from the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae) are <strong>in</strong>tendedfor daily use dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>, a national campaign designated by the U.S. Catholic bishops for teach<strong>in</strong>g and witness<strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty. The read<strong>in</strong>gs and the questions that follow can be used for group discussion or for personal reflection.The protection and promotion <strong>of</strong> the <strong>in</strong>violablerights <strong>of</strong> man ranks among the essential duties<strong>of</strong> government. Therefore, government is to assume thesafeguard <strong>of</strong> the religious freedom <strong>of</strong> all its citizens, <strong>in</strong>an effective manner, by just laws and by other appropriatemeans. Government is also to help create conditionsfavorable to the foster<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> religious life, <strong>in</strong> orderthat the people may be truly enabled to exercise theirreligious rights and to fulfill their religious duties, andalso <strong>in</strong> order that society itself may pr<strong>of</strong>it by the moralqualities <strong>of</strong> justice and peace which have their orig<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong> men’s faithfulness to God and to His holy will.<strong>of</strong> its citizens not only benefits those citizens but also,the Council states, contributes to the good <strong>of</strong> societyas a whole. It helps society grow <strong>in</strong> its understand<strong>in</strong>gand implementation <strong>of</strong> what contributes to justiceand peace. This justice and peace f<strong>in</strong>d their orig<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>God, who desires the good <strong>of</strong> all.How do governments protect and promote thereligious life <strong>of</strong> their citizens? Do governments takethis <strong>in</strong>to consideration today? In the U.S., how doesthe government foster religious life while respect<strong>in</strong>gthe pr<strong>in</strong>ciple <strong>of</strong> separation <strong>of</strong> church and state?Declaration on Religious Liberty(Dignitatis Humanae), no. 6December 7, 1965Reflection for Day N<strong>in</strong>eOnce aga<strong>in</strong>, the Council Fathers turn to what theyconsider a very important issue. It is not simply thatgovernments should not deny or impede the religiousfreedom <strong>of</strong> their citizens, it is also <strong>of</strong> the utmostimportance that they positively, through just laws, bethe guardians <strong>of</strong> religious freedom, so that no constituency—religiousor secular—with<strong>in</strong> society wouldseek to underm<strong>in</strong>e the religious freedom <strong>of</strong> all. Whilefew today would consider this, the next po<strong>in</strong>t that theCouncil Fathers make is also very significant. Governmentsshould actually “help create conditions favorableto the foster<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> religious life.” While governmentsdo not control religions, they should recognizetheir value and so promote their well-be<strong>in</strong>g. Thisallows all religious bodies and their members to exercisetheir religious rights and “fulfill their religiousduties.” The government’s foster<strong>in</strong>g the religious lifeExcerpts from The Documents <strong>of</strong> Vatican II, Walter M. Abbott,SJ, General Editor, copyright © 1966 by America Press, Inc.Repr<strong>in</strong>ted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2012, United States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton,DC. All rights reserved.
Day 10 June 30, 2013Reflections for theFORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOMThese reflections and read<strong>in</strong>gs from the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae) are <strong>in</strong>tendedfor daily use dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>, a national campaign designated by the U.S. Catholic bishops for teach<strong>in</strong>g and witness<strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty. The read<strong>in</strong>gs and the questions that follow can be used for group discussion or for personal reflection.F<strong>in</strong>ally, government is to see to it that theequality <strong>of</strong> citizens before the law, which is itself anelement <strong>of</strong> the common welfare, is never violated forreligious reasons whether openly or covertly. Nor isthere to be discrim<strong>in</strong>ation among citizens.It follows that a wrong is done when governmentimposes upon its people, by force or fear or othermeans, the pr<strong>of</strong>ession or repudiation <strong>of</strong> any religion,or when it h<strong>in</strong>ders men from jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g or leav<strong>in</strong>g areligious body. All the more is it a violation <strong>of</strong> the will<strong>of</strong> God and <strong>of</strong> the sacred rights <strong>of</strong> the person and thefamily <strong>of</strong> nations, when force is brought to bear <strong>in</strong> anyway <strong>in</strong> order to destroy or repress religion, either <strong>in</strong>the whole <strong>of</strong> mank<strong>in</strong>d or <strong>in</strong> a particular country or <strong>in</strong> aspecific community.Declaration on Religious Liberty(Dignitatis Humanae), no. 6December 7, 1965Reflection for Day TenBecause all human be<strong>in</strong>gs possess equal dignity, value,and worth, the government is to ensure that thisequality is ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed both for the good <strong>of</strong> the <strong>in</strong>dividualand for the good <strong>of</strong> society as a whole. Thisequality specifically should not be violated on religiousgrounds. Each religious body and the members<strong>of</strong> that body have equal rights to religious liberty. Thisequality demands that there be no discrim<strong>in</strong>ationbased upon one’s religious beliefs.The Council Fathers now stress that, based uponthis equality among its citizens, no government ispermitted to impose <strong>in</strong> any way “the pr<strong>of</strong>ession orrepudiation <strong>of</strong> any religion.” Such an imposition is aviolation <strong>of</strong> the right to be true to one’s conscience.Because <strong>of</strong> the freedom <strong>of</strong> conscience, the governmentis also not permitted to deny a person the rightto jo<strong>in</strong> or leave a religious body. The governmenthas no right to stipulate what a person can or cannotbelieve.If the above is true, then the Council states thatit is all the more wrong when “force is brought tobear <strong>in</strong> any way <strong>in</strong> order to destroy or repress religion.”This not only applies to governments but alsoto religious bodies themselves. No religious body ispermitted to harass or seek to elim<strong>in</strong>ate another religiousgroup.With<strong>in</strong> our contemporary world, where is religiousequality denied or religious discrim<strong>in</strong>ation tolerated?Are there <strong>in</strong>stances where one religion violatesthe rights <strong>of</strong> other religions?Excerpts from The Documents <strong>of</strong> Vatican II, Walter M. Abbott,SJ, General Editor, copyright © 1966 by America Press, Inc.Repr<strong>in</strong>ted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2012, United States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton,DC. All rights reserved.
Day 11 July 1, 2013Reflections for theFORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOMThese reflections and read<strong>in</strong>gs from the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae) are <strong>in</strong>tendedfor daily use dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>, a national campaign designated by the U.S. Catholic bishops for teach<strong>in</strong>g and witness<strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty. The read<strong>in</strong>gs and the questions that follow can be used for group discussion or for personal reflection.Furthermore, society has the right todefend itself aga<strong>in</strong>st possible abuses committed onpretext <strong>of</strong> freedom <strong>of</strong> religion. It is the special duty<strong>of</strong> government to provide this protection. However,government is not to act <strong>in</strong> arbitrary fashion or <strong>in</strong> anunfair spirit <strong>of</strong> partisanship. Its action is to be controlledby juridical norms which are <strong>in</strong> conformity withthe objective moral order.These norms arise out <strong>of</strong> the need for effective safeguard<strong>of</strong> the rights <strong>of</strong> all citizens and for peaceful settlement<strong>of</strong> conflicts <strong>of</strong> rights. They flow from the needfor an adequate care <strong>of</strong> genu<strong>in</strong>e public peace, whichcomes about when men live together <strong>in</strong> good orderand <strong>in</strong> true justice. They come, f<strong>in</strong>ally, out <strong>of</strong> the needfor a proper guardianship <strong>of</strong> public morality. Thesematters constitute the basic component <strong>of</strong> the commonwelfare: they are what is meant by public order.<strong>For</strong> the rest, the usages <strong>of</strong> society are to be theusages <strong>of</strong> freedom <strong>in</strong> their full range. These requirethat the freedom <strong>of</strong> man be respected as far aspossible, and curtailed only when and <strong>in</strong> so faras necessary.beliefs are true and that other religious beliefs areeither <strong>in</strong>adequate or conta<strong>in</strong> erroneous tenets, noreligious group has the right to persecute or seek tosuppress other religious groups. Similar conflict mayarise with<strong>in</strong> a religion, <strong>in</strong> which case, the cause <strong>of</strong>the conflict does not reside <strong>in</strong> the religious belief assuch, but <strong>in</strong> a mis<strong>in</strong>terpretation <strong>of</strong> those beliefs thatprompts misguided attacks on other religious groups.Given the reality <strong>of</strong> such religious conflicts, theCouncil Fathers acknowledge that the governmentis responsible for keep<strong>in</strong>g public order, not by tak<strong>in</strong>gsides, but by enact<strong>in</strong>g just laws and guard<strong>in</strong>g the equalrights <strong>of</strong> all.What causes religious conflicts today? Do governmentsalways adequately respond to such conflicts?What dist<strong>in</strong>guishes “public order” (which limitsreligious freedom) from an ord<strong>in</strong>ary policy preference<strong>of</strong> government (which does not)?Declaration on Religious Liberty(Dignitatis Humanae), no. 7December 7, 1965Reflection for Day ElevenThe Council Fathers are well aware that, while variousreligious groups are meant to live <strong>in</strong> harmony,each accept<strong>in</strong>g the equal rights <strong>of</strong> others, yet, <strong>in</strong>reality, conflicts frequently arise between variousreligions. This may be due to what a specific religionholds concern<strong>in</strong>g the nature <strong>of</strong> its own beliefs <strong>in</strong> relationto the beliefs <strong>of</strong> other religions. While each religiousgroup has the right to pr<strong>of</strong>ess that its religiousExcerpts from The Documents <strong>of</strong> Vatican II, Walter M. Abbott,SJ, General Editor, copyright © 1966 by America Press, Inc.Repr<strong>in</strong>ted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2012, United States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton,DC. All rights reserved.
Day 12 July 2, 2013Reflections for theFORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOMThese reflections and read<strong>in</strong>gs from the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae) are <strong>in</strong>tendedfor daily use dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>, a national campaign designated by the U.S. Catholic bishops for teach<strong>in</strong>g and witness<strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty. The read<strong>in</strong>gs and the questions that follow can be used for group discussion or for personal reflection.Among the th<strong>in</strong>gs which concern the good<strong>of</strong> the Church and <strong>in</strong>deed the welfare <strong>of</strong> society hereon earth—th<strong>in</strong>gs therefore which are always andeverywhere to be kept secure and defended aga<strong>in</strong>stall <strong>in</strong>jury—this certa<strong>in</strong>ly is preem<strong>in</strong>ent, namely, thatthe Church should enjoy that full measure <strong>of</strong> freedomwhich her care for salvation <strong>of</strong> men requires. Thisfreedom is sacred, because the only-begotten Sonendowed with it the Church which He purchased withHis blood. It is so much the property <strong>of</strong> the Church thatto act aga<strong>in</strong>st it is to act aga<strong>in</strong>st the will <strong>of</strong> God. Thefreedom <strong>of</strong> the Church is the fundamental pr<strong>in</strong>ciple <strong>in</strong>what concerns the relations between the Church andgovernments and the whole civil order.message and presence would go forth to all the world.Only then would Jesus’ Gospel be lived out amongall nations and peoples. Only if the Church is freecan she rightly fulfill her div<strong>in</strong>e commission. This iswhy the Church jealously guards her freedom whilesimultaneously foster<strong>in</strong>g harmonious, appropriate, andjust relations with various governments throughoutthe world.What present circumstances threaten the freedom<strong>of</strong> the Catholic Church particularly? Are threatsto the Church’s freedom always from without, or dothreats arise from with<strong>in</strong> the Church itself? Whatthreats <strong>in</strong> the past has the Church <strong>in</strong> our country hadto contend with?Declaration on Religious Liberty(Dignitatis Humanae), no. 13December 7, 1965Reflection for Day TwelveIn Chapter I, the Council Fathers considered thenature <strong>of</strong> religious freedom from a rational and philosophicalperspective—the dignity and equality <strong>of</strong>human be<strong>in</strong>gs and the natural right to religious liberty.In Chapter II, they turn to exam<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g religiousliberty <strong>in</strong> the light <strong>of</strong> Christian Revelation.In this context, the Council Fathers forthrightly<strong>in</strong>sist that the Church must “enjoy that full measure<strong>of</strong> freedom which her care for salvation <strong>of</strong> menrequires.” Jesus became man, died, and rose from thedead so that all men and women would come to salvation—toknow the fullness <strong>of</strong> truth and the fullness <strong>of</strong>the Father’s love. This is why the Church’s religiousfreedom is “sacred.” Jesus, through the Holy Spirit,founded the Church as the means by which his sav<strong>in</strong>gExcerpts from The Documents <strong>of</strong> Vatican II, Walter M. Abbott,SJ, General Editor, copyright © 1966 by America Press, Inc.Repr<strong>in</strong>ted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2012, United States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton,DC. All rights reserved.
Day 13 July 3, 2013Reflections for theFORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOMThese reflections and read<strong>in</strong>gs from the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae) are <strong>in</strong>tendedfor daily use dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>, a national campaign designated by the U.S. Catholic bishops for teach<strong>in</strong>g and witness<strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty. The read<strong>in</strong>gs and the questions that follow can be used for group discussion or for personal reflection.In turn, where the pr<strong>in</strong>ciple <strong>of</strong> religious freedomis not only proclaimed <strong>in</strong> words or simply <strong>in</strong>corporated<strong>in</strong> law but also given s<strong>in</strong>cere and practicalapplication, there the Church succeeds <strong>in</strong> achiev<strong>in</strong>g astable situation <strong>of</strong> right as well as <strong>of</strong> fact and the <strong>in</strong>dependencewhich is necessary for the fulfillment <strong>of</strong> herdiv<strong>in</strong>e mission. This <strong>in</strong>dependence is precisely whatthe authorities <strong>of</strong> the Church claim <strong>in</strong> society.At the same time, the Christian faithful, <strong>in</strong> commonwith all other men, possess the civil right not tobe h<strong>in</strong>dered <strong>in</strong> lead<strong>in</strong>g their lives <strong>in</strong> accordance withtheir conscience. Therefore, a harmony exists betweenthe freedom <strong>of</strong> the Church and the religious freedomwhich is to be recognized as the right <strong>of</strong> all men andcommunities and sanctioned by constitutional law.demands for others—the freedom to follow one’sconscience <strong>in</strong> matters religious. This religious freedomfor all is what the Council once more believes shouldbe acknowledged and sanctioned with<strong>in</strong> the constitutionallaw <strong>of</strong> countries.In the United States, religious freedom is protected<strong>in</strong> the Constitution, as the Council desires.Are those constitutional protections enough? Arethey grow<strong>in</strong>g stronger or weaker <strong>in</strong> our society today?What else, apart from the law, can strengthen orweaken religious liberty? What should Catholics do todefend and foster religious liberty <strong>in</strong> America today?What have Catholics done <strong>in</strong> the past when religiousliberty was threatened?Declaration on Religious Liberty(Dignitatis Humanae), no. 13December 7, 1965Reflection for Day ThirteenWhile <strong>in</strong>sist<strong>in</strong>g upon the religious freedom <strong>of</strong> theChurch, the Council Fathers do not wish to give theimpression that <strong>in</strong> some manner the Catholic Churchis special when it comes to religious liberty. Thus, theCouncil first states above that where the pr<strong>in</strong>ciple<strong>of</strong> religious liberty is present, the Church is able topeaceably fulfill her div<strong>in</strong>e mission. It is this amicablerelationship between herself and civil authorities thatthe Church always wishes to pursue and ensure.In the light <strong>of</strong> this, the Church also championsthe religious and civil rights <strong>of</strong> all so that allpeople can live “their lives <strong>in</strong> accordance with theirconscience.” In this way there is no conflict withwhat the Church demands for herself and what sheExcerpts from The Documents <strong>of</strong> Vatican II, Walter M. Abbott,SJ, General Editor, copyright © 1966 by America Press, Inc.Repr<strong>in</strong>ted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2012, United States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton,DC. All rights reserved.
Day 14 July 4, 2013Reflections for theFORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOMThese reflections and read<strong>in</strong>gs from the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae) are <strong>in</strong>tendedfor daily use dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>, a national campaign designated by the U.S. Catholic bishops for teach<strong>in</strong>g and witness<strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty. The read<strong>in</strong>gs and the questions that follow can be used for group discussion or for personal reflection.The fact is that men <strong>of</strong> the present day wantto be able freely to pr<strong>of</strong>ess their religion <strong>in</strong> privateand <strong>in</strong> public. Religious freedom has already beendeclared to be a civil right <strong>in</strong> most constitutions, andit is solemnly recognized <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational documents.The further fact is that forms <strong>of</strong> government still existunder which, even though freedom <strong>of</strong> religious worshipreceives constitutional recognition, the powers <strong>of</strong>government are engaged <strong>in</strong> the effort to deter citizensfrom the pr<strong>of</strong>ession <strong>of</strong> religion and to make life difficultand dangerous for religious Communities.This sacred Synod greets with joy the first <strong>of</strong> thesetwo facts, as among the signs <strong>of</strong> the times. With sorrow,however, it denounces the other fact, as onlyto be deplored. The Synod exhorts Catholics, and itdirects a plea to all men, most carefully to considerhow greatly necessary religious freedom is, especially<strong>in</strong> the present condition <strong>of</strong> the human family.All nations are com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to even closer unity. Men<strong>of</strong> different cultures and religions are be<strong>in</strong>g broughttogether <strong>in</strong> closer relationships. There is a grow<strong>in</strong>gconsciousness <strong>of</strong> the personal responsibility thatweighs upon every man. All this is evident.Consequently, <strong>in</strong> order that relationships <strong>of</strong> peaceand harmony may be established and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>edwith<strong>in</strong> the whole <strong>of</strong> mank<strong>in</strong>d, it is necessary thatreligious freedom be everywhere provided with aneffective constitutional guarantee, and that respect beshown for the high duty and right <strong>of</strong> man freely to leadhis religious life <strong>in</strong> society.Declaration on Religious Liberty(Dignitatis Humanae), no. 15December 7, 1965Reflection for Day FourteenIn conclud<strong>in</strong>g its Declaration <strong>of</strong> Religious <strong>Freedom</strong>,the Council rejoices <strong>in</strong> the fact that religious freedomhas been enshr<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the constitutions <strong>of</strong> manycountries as well as <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational statements. However,the Council Fathers are well aware that religiousfreedom is not guaranteed merely when it is stated ona piece <strong>of</strong> paper. It must be exercised by a liv<strong>in</strong>g body<strong>of</strong> people. Moreover, there are actual governmentsthat act aga<strong>in</strong>st religious communities, sometime <strong>in</strong>the name <strong>of</strong> religion. The Council Fathers f<strong>in</strong>d suchsituations appall<strong>in</strong>g and ask that Catholics and allpeople <strong>of</strong> goodwill work to rectify this <strong>in</strong>justice.S<strong>in</strong>ce the Vatican Council, has religious freedomimproved or deteriorated throughout the world? Whatis the relationship between grow<strong>in</strong>g religious diversity,as well as grow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>teractions among people <strong>of</strong> differentfaiths, and religious liberty?Excerpts from The Documents <strong>of</strong> Vatican II, Walter M. Abbott,SJ, General Editor, copyright © 1966 by America Press, Inc.Repr<strong>in</strong>ted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2012, United States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton,DC. All rights reserved.
EUCHARISTIC HOLY HOURFOR LIFE, MARRIAGE AND LIBERTYUnited States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops[On or near the last Sunday <strong>of</strong> each month, all Cathedrals and parishes throughout the country are encouraged tojo<strong>in</strong> together <strong>in</strong> prayer and adoration for the <strong>in</strong>tention <strong>of</strong> defend<strong>in</strong>g life, marriage, and religious liberty. Thefollow<strong>in</strong>g Holy Hour is a basic model with suggested read<strong>in</strong>gs and prayers for this time. Other suitable prayersmay be used by the presid<strong>in</strong>g m<strong>in</strong>ister.]Procession/ExpositionOpen<strong>in</strong>g Hymn: “O Salutaris Hostia” or another suitable Eucharistic hymnOpen<strong>in</strong>g PrayerPresid<strong>in</strong>g M<strong>in</strong>ister:Lord our God, <strong>in</strong> this great sacrament we come <strong>in</strong>to the presence <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ, Your Son, born <strong>of</strong> theVirg<strong>in</strong> Mary and crucified for our salvation. May we who declare our faith <strong>in</strong> this founta<strong>in</strong> <strong>of</strong> love andmercy dr<strong>in</strong>k from it the water <strong>of</strong> everlast<strong>in</strong>g life. We ask this through Christ our Lord.All: Amen.Liturgy <strong>of</strong> the Word or Liturgy <strong>of</strong> the HoursSuggested read<strong>in</strong>gs: God created man and woman <strong>in</strong> His image and likeness: Gen 1:26-28, 31a (LFM 801-1) Choose life: Deut 30:15-20 (LFM 751-4) Give yourself as a liv<strong>in</strong>g sacrifice: Rm 12:1-2, 9-18 (LFM 802-2) <strong>For</strong> freedom Christ set us free: Gal 5:1, 13-18 (LFM 99) Marriage a sign <strong>of</strong> Christ’s love for the Church: Eph 5:2a, 21-33 (LFM 802-6) The New Jerusalem, the bride: Rev 21:1-7 (LFM 792-16) The Beatitudes: Mt 5:1-12a (LFM 742-1) Love your enemies and pray for them: Mt 5:38-48 (LFM 886-3) Enter through the narrow gate: Mt 7:6, 12-14 (LFM 372) Faith the size <strong>of</strong> a mustard seed: Mt 17:14-20 (LFM 412) Persecution and perseverance: Lk 21:12-19 (LFM 505) The new commandment <strong>of</strong> love: Jn 15:9-17 (LFM 724-11)Homily or reflection/meditation on ScriptureThe Presid<strong>in</strong>g M<strong>in</strong>ister may <strong>of</strong>fer <strong>in</strong>sights on the <strong>in</strong>violable dignity <strong>of</strong> every human life, the gift andvocation <strong>of</strong> marriage as the union <strong>of</strong> one man and one woman, and the importance <strong>of</strong> religious libertyand the public witness <strong>of</strong> the faith <strong>in</strong> relation to the chosen read<strong>in</strong>g(s).Period <strong>of</strong> Silent Reflection and Adoration (Rosary and/or a Litany may also be prayed)IntercessionsPresid<strong>in</strong>g M<strong>in</strong>ister:God is the author <strong>of</strong> life, marriage, and liberty. In Him we place our faith as we pray the follow<strong>in</strong>gpetitions:<strong>For</strong> Pope Benedict XVI, bishops, priests, and all the faithful, that we may be strengthened by the grace<strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit to cont<strong>in</strong>ue proclaim<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>tr<strong>in</strong>sic dignity <strong>of</strong> all human life from conception to
natural death, the unique mean<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> marriage, and the importance <strong>of</strong> religious liberty for all. Let uspray to the Lord.<strong>For</strong> all those who serve us <strong>in</strong> public <strong>of</strong>fice, that they may have the wisdom and courage to upholdconscience rights and protect all people from be<strong>in</strong>g forced to violate their moral and religiousconvictions. Let us pray to the Lord.<strong>For</strong> greater respect for the <strong>in</strong>violable dignity <strong>of</strong> all human life from conception to natural death,especially for the most vulnerable among us, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the unborn, the poor, the immigrant, the <strong>in</strong>firmand elderly. Let us pray to the Lord.<strong>For</strong> the heal<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> troubled and broken marriages and families, and for renewed understand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> andreverence for God’s lov<strong>in</strong>g plan for marriage as the permanent, faithful and fruitful union <strong>of</strong> one manand one woman. Let us pray to the Lord.<strong>For</strong> the protection <strong>of</strong> conscience rights and religious liberty, and that all people <strong>of</strong> good will may worktogether aga<strong>in</strong>st the <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g threats to these fundamental rights. Let us pray to the Lord.<strong>For</strong> all <strong>of</strong> us gathered here before the Lord <strong>in</strong> His Most Blessed Sacrament, that we may live our faith<strong>in</strong> confidence and charity, trust <strong>in</strong> the Lord’s mercy, and witness to Him so as to <strong>in</strong>vite others to seekHis Face. Let us pray to the Lord.Presid<strong>in</strong>g M<strong>in</strong>ister:Almighty and merciful Father, we give You thanks for all <strong>of</strong> Your many bless<strong>in</strong>gs, and we ask You tohear these petitions <strong>in</strong> the name <strong>of</strong> Your Son, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reignswith You <strong>in</strong> the unity <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.All: Amen.Benediction: “Tantum ergo” or another suitable Eucharistic hymnPresid<strong>in</strong>g M<strong>in</strong>ister:Let us pray. O God, who <strong>in</strong> this wonderful sacrament have left us a memorial <strong>of</strong> Your Passion, grantus, we pray, so to revere the sacred mysteries <strong>of</strong> Your Body and Blood that we may always experience<strong>in</strong> ourselves the fruits <strong>of</strong> Your redemption. Who live and reign with God the Father <strong>in</strong> the unity <strong>of</strong> theHoly Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.All: Amen.RepositionDiv<strong>in</strong>e PraisesBlessed be God. Blessed be His Holy Name. Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.Blessed be the Name <strong>of</strong> Jesus. Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.Blessed be His Most Precious Blood. Blessed be Jesus <strong>in</strong> the Most Holy Sacrament <strong>of</strong> the Altar.Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. Blessed be the great Mother <strong>of</strong> God, Mary most holy.Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception. Blessed be her glorious Assumption.Blessed be the name <strong>of</strong> Mary, Virg<strong>in</strong> and Mother. Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.Blessed be God <strong>in</strong> His angels and <strong>in</strong> His Sa<strong>in</strong>ts. Amen.Clos<strong>in</strong>g Hymn: “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name”
Intercessory Prayerfor use dur<strong>in</strong>g the<strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> Ecumenical Prayer ServiceUnited States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic BishopsCelebrant:Brothers and Sisters, we are aware that only <strong>in</strong> Christ do we f<strong>in</strong>d true freedom, let uspresent our prayers, <strong>in</strong>terced<strong>in</strong>g for all <strong>in</strong> need. Please respond: Lord, hear our prayer.Reader:1. <strong>For</strong> people <strong>of</strong> faith who fight to preserve religious liberty: dur<strong>in</strong>g this “<strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for<strong>Freedom</strong>,” may the Lord strengthen their resolve to hold firm <strong>in</strong> their witness, we prayto the Lord…2. <strong>For</strong> Christians everywhere, that while striv<strong>in</strong>g for a life lived <strong>in</strong> the spirit <strong>of</strong> the Lord,his grace may protect their faith <strong>in</strong> times <strong>of</strong> peace and susta<strong>in</strong> their fortitude <strong>in</strong> times <strong>of</strong>trial, we pray to the Lord…3. <strong>For</strong> the many m<strong>in</strong>istries <strong>of</strong> people <strong>of</strong> faith that reveal God’s power and love to a brokenworld, especially through works <strong>of</strong> mercy, education, health care, community centers,and charitable services: may they enjoy full protection <strong>of</strong> the law to fulfill their mission,we pray to the Lord…4. <strong>For</strong> our Christian communities, trust<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> God’s grace to save: may we, through thegifts <strong>of</strong> the Spirit, have the wisdom to know God’s will and f<strong>in</strong>d courage to stand up <strong>in</strong>witness to his love, we pray to the Lord…5. <strong>For</strong> our nation, that dur<strong>in</strong>g this “<strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>,” all may be encouraged tostand firm on the pr<strong>in</strong>ciple upheld by our found<strong>in</strong>g fathers, “liberty and justice for all,”we pray to the Lord…6. <strong>For</strong> civil authorities and all those who enact and uphold laws: for God’s wisdom toguide their decisions to protect religious freedom and conscience rights for all, we prayto the Lord…7. <strong>For</strong> those who suffer physical persecution or moral oppression because <strong>of</strong> their religiousbeliefs. May the God <strong>of</strong> truth and compassion console them <strong>in</strong> their suffer<strong>in</strong>g, we prayto the Lord….8. <strong>For</strong> all peoples <strong>of</strong> the world, that this “<strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>” may <strong>in</strong>spire andencourage all governments to advance and protect religious liberty for all their people,we pray to the Lord…Celebrant:Almighty eternal God,PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
<strong>in</strong> whom we f<strong>in</strong>d true freedom and last<strong>in</strong>g peace,look with favor, we pray, on our needsand, see<strong>in</strong>g the faith that <strong>in</strong>spires us to pray to you,grant what we truly need, especially the freedom to serve you <strong>in</strong> love.Through Christ our Lord.-AmenPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
Passages from Scripturefor use dur<strong>in</strong>g the<strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>United States Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic BishopsOLD TESTAMENT“Thus says the LORD, the God <strong>of</strong> Israel: Let my people go, that they may celebrate a feast to me<strong>in</strong> the desert.” Pharaoh answered, “Who is the LORD, that I should heed his plea to let Israelgo?” (Ex 5:1-2)Pharaoh then summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Go and worship the LORD. Your littleones, too, may go with you. But your flocks and herds must rema<strong>in</strong>.” Moses replied, “You mustalso grant us sacrifices and holocausts to <strong>of</strong>fer up to the LORD, our God. Hence, our livestockalso must go with us. Not an animal must be left beh<strong>in</strong>d. Some <strong>of</strong> them we must sacrifice to theLORD, our God.” (Ex 10:24-26)“They shall take some <strong>of</strong> its blood and apply it to the two doorposts and the l<strong>in</strong>tel <strong>of</strong> every house<strong>in</strong> which they partake <strong>of</strong> the lamb.” (Ex 12:7)“<strong>For</strong> remember that you too were once slaves <strong>in</strong> the land <strong>of</strong> Egypt, and the LORD, your God,ransomed you. That is why I am giv<strong>in</strong>g you this command today.” (Dt 15:15)“You come aga<strong>in</strong>st me with sword and spear and scimitar, but I come aga<strong>in</strong>st you <strong>in</strong> the name <strong>of</strong>the LORD <strong>of</strong> hosts, the God <strong>of</strong> the armies <strong>of</strong> Israel” (1 Sm 17:45)The horse is equipped for the day <strong>of</strong> battle, but victory is the LORD’s. (Pv 21:31)PSALMSBlessed the man who follows notthe counsel <strong>of</strong> the wicked,Nor walks <strong>in</strong> the way <strong>of</strong> s<strong>in</strong>ners,nor sits <strong>in</strong> the company <strong>of</strong> the <strong>in</strong>solent,But delights <strong>in</strong> the law <strong>of</strong> the LORDand meditates on his law day and night. (Ps 1:1-2)O LORD, I am your servant;I am your servant, the son <strong>of</strong> your handmaid;you have loosed my bonds.To you will I <strong>of</strong>fer sacrifice <strong>of</strong> thanksgiv<strong>in</strong>g,and I will call upon the name <strong>of</strong> the LORD. (Ps 116:16-17)PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
So shall I have an answer for those who reproach me,for I trust <strong>in</strong> your words.Take not the word <strong>of</strong> truth from my mouth,for <strong>in</strong> your ord<strong>in</strong>ances is my hope.And I will keep your law cont<strong>in</strong>ually,forever and ever.And I will walk at liberty,because I seek your precepts.I will speak <strong>of</strong> your decrees before k<strong>in</strong>gswithout be<strong>in</strong>g ashamed. (Ps 119:42-46)NEW TESTAMENTBut Peter and the apostles said <strong>in</strong> reply, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)How can we who died to s<strong>in</strong> yet live <strong>in</strong> it? (Rom 6:2)<strong>For</strong> a dead person has been absolved from s<strong>in</strong>. If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe thatwe shall also live with him. (Rom 6:7-8)Consequently, you too must th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>of</strong> yourselves as be<strong>in</strong>g dead to s<strong>in</strong> and liv<strong>in</strong>g for God <strong>in</strong> ChristJesus. Therefore, s<strong>in</strong> must not reign over your mortal bodies so that you obey their desires.(Rom 6:11-12)But what pr<strong>of</strong>it did you get then from the th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>of</strong> which you are now ashamed? <strong>For</strong> the end <strong>of</strong>those th<strong>in</strong>gs is death. But now that you have been freed from s<strong>in</strong> and have become slaves <strong>of</strong>God, the benefit that you have leads to sanctification, and its end is eternal life. (Rom 6:21-22)So, then, I discover the pr<strong>in</strong>ciple that when I want to do right, evil is at hand. <strong>For</strong> I take delight<strong>in</strong> the law <strong>of</strong> God, <strong>in</strong> my <strong>in</strong>ner self, but I see <strong>in</strong> my members another pr<strong>in</strong>ciple at war with thelaw <strong>of</strong> my m<strong>in</strong>d, tak<strong>in</strong>g me captive to the law <strong>of</strong> s<strong>in</strong> that dwells <strong>in</strong> my members. Miserable onethat I am! Who will deliver me from this mortal body? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christour Lord. (Rom 7:21-25)<strong>For</strong> you did not receive a spirit <strong>of</strong> slavery to fall back <strong>in</strong>to fear, but you received a spirit <strong>of</strong>adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father!” (Rom 8:15)We endure everyth<strong>in</strong>g so as not to place an obstacle to the gospel <strong>of</strong> Christ. (1 Cor 9:12)No one should seek his own advantage, but that <strong>of</strong> his neighbor. (1 Cor 10:24)<strong>For</strong> why should my freedom be determ<strong>in</strong>ed by someone else’s conscience? (1 Cor 10:29)PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
Whatever you do, do everyth<strong>in</strong>g for the glory <strong>of</strong> God. (1 Cor 10:31)Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit <strong>of</strong> the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Cor 3:17)Then after fourteen years I aga<strong>in</strong> went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, tak<strong>in</strong>g Titus along also. Iwent up <strong>in</strong> accord with a revelation, and I presented to them the gospel that I preach to theGentiles—but privately to those <strong>of</strong> repute—so that I might not be runn<strong>in</strong>g, or have run, <strong>in</strong> va<strong>in</strong>.Moreover, not even Titus, who was with me, although he was a Greek, was compelled to becircumcised, but because <strong>of</strong> the false brothers secretly brought <strong>in</strong>, who slipped <strong>in</strong> to spy on ourfreedom that we have <strong>in</strong> Christ Jesus, that they might enslave us—to them we did not submiteven for a moment, so that the truth <strong>of</strong> the gospel might rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>tact for you. (Gal 2:1-5)I mean that as long as the heir is not <strong>of</strong> age, he is no different from a slave, although he is theowner <strong>of</strong> everyth<strong>in</strong>g, but he is under the supervision <strong>of</strong> guardians and adm<strong>in</strong>istrators until thedate set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were not <strong>of</strong> age, were enslaved to theelemental powers <strong>of</strong> the world. But when the fullness <strong>of</strong> time had come, God sent his Son, born<strong>of</strong> a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receiveadoption. As pro<strong>of</strong> that you are children, God sent the spirit <strong>of</strong> his Son <strong>in</strong>to our hearts, cry<strong>in</strong>gout, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir,through God. At a time when you did not know God, you became slaves to th<strong>in</strong>gs that by natureare not gods; but now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how canyou turn back aga<strong>in</strong> to the weak and destitute elemental powers? Do you want to be slaves tothem all over aga<strong>in</strong>? You are observ<strong>in</strong>g days, months, seasons, and years. I am afraid on youraccount that perhaps I have labored for you <strong>in</strong> va<strong>in</strong>. (Gal 4:1-11)<strong>For</strong> it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by thefreeborn woman. The son <strong>of</strong> the slave woman was born naturally, the son <strong>of</strong> the freebornthrough a promise. (Gal 4:22-23)Therefore, brothers, we are children not <strong>of</strong> the slave woman but <strong>of</strong> the freeborn woman. <strong>For</strong>freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit aga<strong>in</strong> to the yoke <strong>of</strong> slavery. (Gal4:31—5:1)<strong>For</strong> you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for theflesh; rather, serve one another through love. <strong>For</strong> the whole law is fulfilled <strong>in</strong> one statement,namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Gal 5:13-14)A little yeast leavens the whole batch <strong>of</strong> dough. (Gal 5:9)Now the works <strong>of</strong> the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery,hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts <strong>of</strong> fury, acts <strong>of</strong> selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions <strong>of</strong>envy, dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who dosuch th<strong>in</strong>gs will not <strong>in</strong>herit the k<strong>in</strong>gdom <strong>of</strong> God. In contrast, the fruit <strong>of</strong> the Spirit is love, joy,peace, patience, k<strong>in</strong>dness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Aga<strong>in</strong>st such there isno law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions andPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
desires. If we live <strong>in</strong> the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit. Let us not be conceited, provok<strong>in</strong>gone another, envious <strong>of</strong> one another. (Gal 5:19-26)Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, forthe wrath <strong>of</strong> a man does not accomplish the righteousness <strong>of</strong> God. Therefore, put away all filthand evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted <strong>in</strong> you and is able to saveyour souls. Be doers <strong>of</strong> the word and not hearers only, delud<strong>in</strong>g yourselves. <strong>For</strong> if anyone is ahearer <strong>of</strong> the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his own face <strong>in</strong> a mirror. Hesees himself, then goes <strong>of</strong>f and promptly forgets what he looked like. But the one who peers <strong>in</strong>tothe perfect law <strong>of</strong> freedom and perseveres, and is not a hearer who forgets but a doer who acts,such a one shall be blessed <strong>in</strong> what he does. (Jas 1:22-25)Be free, yet without us<strong>in</strong>g freedom as a pretext for evil, but as slaves <strong>of</strong> God. Give honor to all,love the community, fear God, honor the k<strong>in</strong>g. (1 Pt 2:16-17)Christ also suffered for you, leav<strong>in</strong>g you an example that you should follow <strong>in</strong> his footsteps. “Hecommitted no s<strong>in</strong>, and no deceit was found <strong>in</strong> his mouth.” When he was <strong>in</strong>sulted, he returned no<strong>in</strong>sult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; <strong>in</strong>stead, he handed himself over to the one whojudges justly. He himself bore our s<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> his body upon the cross, so that, free from s<strong>in</strong>, wemight live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. <strong>For</strong> you had gone astray likesheep, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian <strong>of</strong> your souls. (1 Pt 2:21-25)GOSPELS“If you rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and thetruth will set you free.” (Jn 8:31-32)Jesus said to those Jews who believed <strong>in</strong> him, “If you rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> my word, you will truly be mydisciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “Weare descendants <strong>of</strong> Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘Youwill become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commitss<strong>in</strong> is a slave <strong>of</strong> s<strong>in</strong>. A slave does not rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> a household forever, but a son always rema<strong>in</strong>s.So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free.” (Jn 8:31-36)Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you fromabove. <strong>For</strong> this reason the one who handed me over to you has the greater s<strong>in</strong>.” (Jn 19:11)Scripture texts <strong>in</strong> this work are taken from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament © 1986, 1970Confraternity <strong>of</strong> Christian Doctr<strong>in</strong>e, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, D.C. and are used by permission <strong>of</strong> the copyright owner. AllRights Reserved. No part <strong>of</strong> the New American Bible may be reproduced <strong>in</strong> any form without permission <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>gfrom the copyright owner.PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
SUGGESTED PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFULA CALL TO PRAYER FOR LIFE, MARRIAGE & RELIGIOUS LIBERTYAs part <strong>of</strong> the bishops’ Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty, it is encouraged that atSunday and daily Masses the Prayers <strong>of</strong> the Faithful <strong>in</strong>clude specific <strong>in</strong>tentions for respect for all humanlife from conception to natural death, the strengthen<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> marriage and family life, and the preservation<strong>of</strong> religious liberty at all levels <strong>of</strong> government, both at home and abroad. The follow<strong>in</strong>g Prayers <strong>of</strong> theFaithful are suggestions for use/adaptation. Further resources can be found at www.usccb.org/lifemarriage-liberty.<strong>For</strong> life, marriage and religious liberty:<strong>For</strong> Pope Francis, bishops, priests, and all the faithful, that we may be strengthened by thegrace <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit to cont<strong>in</strong>ue proclaim<strong>in</strong>g the dignity <strong>of</strong> all human life from conception tonatural death, the unique mean<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> marriage, and the importance <strong>of</strong> religious liberty for all.Let us pray to the Lord.<strong>For</strong> all those who serve us <strong>in</strong> elected <strong>of</strong>fice, that they enact laws and policies that uphold thesanctity <strong>of</strong> human life from conception to natural death, the dignity <strong>of</strong> marriage as thepermanent, faithful and fruitful union <strong>of</strong> a man and a woman, and authentic liberty for all. Letus pray to the Lord.<strong>For</strong> our parish and our country, that we will become ever more aware <strong>of</strong> the dignity <strong>of</strong> allhuman life from conception to natural death, the beauty <strong>of</strong> God’s plan for marriage, and thesignificance <strong>of</strong> full and authentic religious liberty. Let us pray to the Lord.<strong>For</strong> life:<strong>For</strong> parents and grandparents who have lost a child through abortion, that God will consolethem <strong>in</strong> their grief and lead them to forgiveness and heal<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Confession and through theChurch’s Project Rachel M<strong>in</strong>istry. Let us pray to the Lord.That this Year <strong>of</strong> Faith will awaken <strong>in</strong> the hearts <strong>of</strong> all Catholics a renewed sense <strong>of</strong> awe andgratitude for the gift <strong>of</strong> human life, and a renewed determ<strong>in</strong>ation to protect all lives fromconception to natural death. Let us pray to the Lord.<strong>For</strong> those <strong>in</strong> the twilight <strong>of</strong> their lives, that their families and caregivers will cherish them andcare for them with tender compassion, reject<strong>in</strong>g the path to assisted suicide. Let us pray to theLord.
<strong>For</strong> marriage:<strong>For</strong> all married couples, that they cont<strong>in</strong>ue to live their vocation <strong>of</strong> love as an example to theirfamilies and to the world <strong>of</strong> God’s faithful, fruitful, and last<strong>in</strong>g love. Let us pray to the Lord.<strong>For</strong> all those suffer<strong>in</strong>g from troubled or broken marriages, especially children, that they will beassured <strong>of</strong> God the Father’s unfail<strong>in</strong>g care for them. Let us pray to the Lord.<strong>For</strong> all those discern<strong>in</strong>g a vocation to the priesthood, consecrated life, or marriage, that theLord guide their hearts and make His will clear for their lives. Let us pray to the Lord.<strong>For</strong> religious liberty:<strong>For</strong> our President, Governor, legislators, judges, and all <strong>in</strong> service to the common good, thatthrough the gift <strong>of</strong> heavenly wisdom they may work to uphold religious freedom andconscience protection for all. Let us pray to the Lord.<strong>For</strong> people <strong>of</strong> faith who fight to preserve religious liberty, may the Lord strengthen their resolveto hold firm <strong>in</strong> their witness. Let us pray to the Lord.<strong>For</strong> the rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividuals and <strong>in</strong>stitutions to conduct their pr<strong>of</strong>essional lives accord<strong>in</strong>g totheir religious convictions. Let us pray to the Lord.
Wednesday, JULY 3, 2013 12 p.m. NoonFREEDOM FORTNIGHT PRAYER FOR RALLYFREEDOM PRAYER RALLYJo<strong>in</strong> Bishop Thomas John Paprocki fora prayer service <strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong>Religious LibertyWEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2013 12 p.m. NoonL<strong>in</strong>coln Capitol Statue Downtown <strong>Spr<strong>in</strong>gfield</strong>South 2nd Street & East Capitol AvenueIn case <strong>of</strong> ra<strong>in</strong>, we will congregate <strong>in</strong> the Rotunda“The purpose <strong>of</strong> this effort is to issue a nationwide callto defend religious liberty and to urge the laityto work to protect the first freedom <strong>of</strong> the Bill <strong>of</strong> Rights.”- Bishop Thomas John Paprocki
What do we mean by religious liberty?Religious liberty is the first liberty granted to us byGod and protected <strong>in</strong> the First Amendment to ourConstitution. It <strong>in</strong>cludes more than our ability to go toMass on Sunday or pray the Rosary at home. It alsoencompasses our ability to contribute freely to thecommon good <strong>of</strong> all Americans.What is the First Amendment?The First Amendment <strong>of</strong> the U.S. Bill <strong>of</strong> Rightsstates the follow<strong>in</strong>g:Congress shall make no law respect<strong>in</strong>g anestablishment <strong>of</strong> religion, or prohibit<strong>in</strong>g the freeexercise there<strong>of</strong>; or abridg<strong>in</strong>g the freedom <strong>of</strong> speech,or <strong>of</strong> the press; or the right <strong>of</strong> the people peaceablyto assemble, and to petition the Government for aredress <strong>of</strong> grievances.What does “shall make no law respect<strong>in</strong>g anestablishment <strong>of</strong> religion” mean?This phrase, known as the “Establishment Clause,”started out as a prohibition on Congress’ eitherestablish<strong>in</strong>g a national religion or <strong>in</strong>terfer<strong>in</strong>g with theestablished religions <strong>of</strong> the states. It has s<strong>in</strong>ce been<strong>in</strong>terpreted to forbid state establishments <strong>of</strong> religion,to forbid governmental preference (at any level)<strong>of</strong> one religion over another, and to forbid directgovernment fund<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> religion.What does “prohibit<strong>in</strong>g the free exercise there<strong>of</strong>”mean?This phrase, known as the “Free Exercise Clause,”generally protects citizens and <strong>in</strong>stitutions fromgovernment <strong>in</strong>terference with the exercise <strong>of</strong>their religious beliefs. It sometimes mandates theaccommodation <strong>of</strong> religious practices when suchpractices conflict with federal, state, or local laws.Prayer for the Protection <strong>of</strong>Religious LibertyO God our Creator, from your provident hand wehave received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit<strong>of</strong> happ<strong>in</strong>ess. You have called us as your people andgiven us the right and the duty to worship you, theonly true God, and your Son, Jesus Christ.Through the power and work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> your Holy Spirit,you call us to live out our faith <strong>in</strong> the midst <strong>of</strong> theworld, br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g the light and the sav<strong>in</strong>g truth <strong>of</strong> theGospel to every corner <strong>of</strong> society.We ask you to bless us <strong>in</strong> our vigilance for thegift <strong>of</strong> religious liberty. Give us the strength <strong>of</strong> m<strong>in</strong>dand heart to readily defend our freedoms when theyare threatened; give us courage <strong>in</strong> mak<strong>in</strong>g our voicesheard on behalf <strong>of</strong> the rights <strong>of</strong> your Church and thefreedom <strong>of</strong> conscience <strong>of</strong> all people <strong>of</strong> faith.Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father, a clear andunited voice to all your sons and daughters gathered<strong>in</strong> your Church <strong>in</strong> this decisive hour <strong>in</strong> the history<strong>of</strong> our nation, so that, with every trial withstoodand every danger overcome — for the sake <strong>of</strong> ourchildren, our grandchildren, and all who come afterus — this great land will always be “one nation, underGod, <strong>in</strong>divisible, with liberty and justice for all.”We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.A call to defend religious libertyFORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOMPRAYER RALLYforReligiousLibertyJo<strong>in</strong>Bishop Thomas John Paprockifor a half-hour prayer service<strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious libertyWEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2013NoonL<strong>in</strong>coln Capitol StatueDowntown <strong>Spr<strong>in</strong>gfield</strong>South 2nd Street & East Capitol AvenueIn case <strong>of</strong> ra<strong>in</strong>, we will congregate <strong>in</strong> the RotundaPlease bless us with your presence,and support us <strong>in</strong> prayerSponsored bythe Office <strong>of</strong> Social Concernsand Respect for Life,<strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Spr<strong>in</strong>gfield</strong> <strong>in</strong> Ill<strong>in</strong>oisFund<strong>in</strong>g provided bythe Annual Catholic Services Appeal (ACSA).<strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Spr<strong>in</strong>gfield</strong> <strong>in</strong> Ill<strong>in</strong>ois
“The purpose <strong>of</strong> this effort is to issue a nationwide callto defend religious liberty and to urge the laityto work to protect the first freedom <strong>of</strong> the Bill <strong>of</strong> Rights.”- Bishop Thomas John PaprockiThis year, the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> has greatimportance due to the follow<strong>in</strong>g:• First, the Supreme Court’s rul<strong>in</strong>gs on same-sex“marriage,” which could have grave implicationsfor religious freedom, will almost certa<strong>in</strong>ly issueright around the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong>.TAKE ACTIONCheck out the latest action alert athttp://nchla.orgSelect “Action Alert” and from there you can writeto Congress oppos<strong>in</strong>g the HHS mandate, call<strong>in</strong>g forconscience protections. Ask your representativeand senators to support the Respect for Rights<strong>of</strong> Conscience Act and to ensure respect forthe religious liberty and conscience rights <strong>of</strong> allparticipants <strong>in</strong> our nation’s health care system. Youare encouraged to personalize the action center’smessage body.Last year, <strong>in</strong> the statement, Our First, MostCherished Liberty (April 2012), the USCCB’s Ad HocCommittee for Religious Liberty announced thefirst <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> – a call to 14 days <strong>of</strong>prayer, action, and study for religious freedom <strong>in</strong>the United States and abroad.The <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> took place from June 21 — thevigil <strong>of</strong> the Feasts <strong>of</strong> St. John Fisher and St. ThomasMore — to July 4, Independence Day. We saw a greatdiversity <strong>of</strong> events promot<strong>in</strong>g religious freedomacross the country, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g rallies, <strong>in</strong>terfaithprayer services, special Masses, televised town hallmeet<strong>in</strong>gs, conferences, and other public eventswhere speakers highlighted the various threats toreligious liberty, especially the HHS mandate.Approximately 80% <strong>of</strong> Catholic diocesesparticipated <strong>in</strong> the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> lastyear.Recogniz<strong>in</strong>g that we still face many challengesto religious liberty, <strong>in</strong> December 2012, the U.S.bishops announced that they would be promot<strong>in</strong>ganother <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> <strong>in</strong> 2013.• Second, by the time <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong>, theeffective date <strong>of</strong> the HHS mandate — August 1,2013 — will be scarcely a month away, and theAdm<strong>in</strong>istration’s decision on the shape <strong>of</strong> a f<strong>in</strong>alrule will likely be imm<strong>in</strong>ent. And unfortunately, aswe now know after extensive study and analysis <strong>of</strong>the latest proposal, we are still far from receiv<strong>in</strong>gthe relief we need through the regulatory process.• Third, the success <strong>of</strong> a second <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> isessential to perpetuat<strong>in</strong>g a new movement forreligious freedom, highlight<strong>in</strong>g the full range<strong>of</strong> ongo<strong>in</strong>g religious freedom issues, here andabroad, and <strong>in</strong> so many other areas <strong>of</strong> law, suchas immigration, adoption, and disaster relief.In addition to send<strong>in</strong>g an email, please call yourlocal Congressional Representatives! We need yoursupport!Stay up-to-date on current religious freedom issues,sign up for text messages from the USCCB. It’s easy.Just text the word “FREEDOM” to 377377.Attend an <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> event locally. In the<strong>Diocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Spr<strong>in</strong>gfield</strong> <strong>in</strong> Ill<strong>in</strong>ois, this <strong>in</strong>cludes theFORTNIGHT FORFREEDOM PRAYER RALLYfor Religious LibertyJo<strong>in</strong> Bishop Thomas John Paprocki on WEDNESDAY,JULY 3 at Noon at L<strong>in</strong>coln Capitol Statue at South 2ndStreet & East Capitol Avenue <strong>in</strong> Downtown <strong>Spr<strong>in</strong>gfield</strong>In case <strong>of</strong> ra<strong>in</strong>, we will congregate <strong>in</strong> the RotundaTo learn more:Visit the USCCB website:http://usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/<strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> 2013 is also on Facebook.
The <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong>Cont<strong>in</strong>uesAmid grow<strong>in</strong>g threats to religious liberty,Catholics are <strong>in</strong>vited to jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> prayer andreflection about our first freedomby Most Rev. William E. LoriLast year <strong>in</strong> Baltimore, after the open<strong>in</strong>g Mass <strong>of</strong> the 2012<strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>, I stood on the portico <strong>of</strong> theBasilica <strong>of</strong> the Assumption to greet members <strong>of</strong> the congregationas they exited the church. A young girl with her parentscame up to me, handed me a little American flag and said,“That was fun! I hope we do this a lot!”Everyone laughed, and I went on greet<strong>in</strong>g the many peoplewho had attended Mass. Later on, though, I thought aboutthe little girl’s reaction. Although her reasons for enjoy<strong>in</strong>g thatMass were probably not the same as m<strong>in</strong>e, I do know thatCatholics need to gather yearly to pray for religious liberty —not only for my generation but also for that little girl’s. Thatis why I was delighted when theU.S. bishops decided to organizethe <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> aga<strong>in</strong>this year — a 14-day period <strong>of</strong>prayer, reflection and action to promotea greater understand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> religiousliberty <strong>in</strong> the two weekslead<strong>in</strong>g up to Independence Day.The <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> will <strong>of</strong>ficiallybeg<strong>in</strong> with an open<strong>in</strong>g Mass <strong>in</strong> Baltimore’sBasilica <strong>of</strong> the Assumptionon June 21 at 7 p.m. and end witha clos<strong>in</strong>g Mass on July 4 at noon atthe Basilica <strong>of</strong> the National Shr<strong>in</strong>e<strong>of</strong> the Immaculate Conception <strong>in</strong>Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, D.C. Dur<strong>in</strong>g this period,the Church celebrates the feastdays <strong>of</strong> two sa<strong>in</strong>ts who are champions<strong>of</strong> religious freedom: St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher.This year, dioceses across the United States will aga<strong>in</strong> be organiz<strong>in</strong>gMasses, prayer gather<strong>in</strong>gs, study groups, rallies andmany other activities <strong>in</strong> observance <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong>.REFLECTING ON FREEDOMWhy is it so important to cont<strong>in</strong>ue the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong>?Some <strong>of</strong> the reasons are short-term. <strong>For</strong> example, mostreligious organizations will be forced to comply with the U.S.Department <strong>of</strong> Health and Human Services’ contraceptivemandate on Aug. 1 <strong>of</strong> this year. This will compel religious organizations,regardless <strong>of</strong> their teach<strong>in</strong>gs, to <strong>in</strong>clude coveragefor abortion-<strong>in</strong>duc<strong>in</strong>g drugs, sterilization and contraception“THE TRUTH ABOUTTHE HUMAN PERSON ISTHE FOUNDATION OF ALLOUR RIGHTS, INCLUDINGRELIGIOUS FREEDOM.”<strong>in</strong> their employee health care plans. So-called accommodationsproposed by the adm<strong>in</strong>istration to allay the religiousfreedom concerns <strong>of</strong> religious organizations have not improvedthe situation and may even make it worse.Further, if potential Supreme Court rul<strong>in</strong>gs legally redef<strong>in</strong>emarriage or otherwise contribute to the redef<strong>in</strong>ition <strong>of</strong> marriagethroughout the United States, they could cause seriousreligious freedom issues for adoption agencies run by theChurch and other religious groups. Such rul<strong>in</strong>gs could alsoraise concerns for immigration and humanitarian services <strong>of</strong>feredby the Catholic Church and others.The <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> is an important opportunity tohighlight these and other immediatereligious liberty issues <strong>in</strong> the UnitedStates. It <strong>of</strong>fers a sober<strong>in</strong>g momentfor all <strong>of</strong> us to realize how religiousfreedom has eroded over time and toask for God’s help <strong>in</strong> protect<strong>in</strong>g sucha precious gift.But the <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> is an occasionfor even more than that. It also representsa chance for us, as citizensand believers, to take stock <strong>of</strong> theimportance <strong>of</strong> religious freedom <strong>in</strong>the American experience. Our FirstMost Cherished Liberty, a documentfrom the U.S. bishops’ Ad-HocCommittee for Religious Libertythat was published <strong>in</strong> April 2012,sums it up this way: “By the end <strong>of</strong>the 18th century, our nation’s founders embraced freedom <strong>of</strong>religion as an essential condition for a free and democraticsociety.” It goes on to implore us to protect the gift <strong>of</strong> freedom“not only for ourselves, but for all nations and peopleswho yearn to be free.”TRUTH AND DIGNITYThe American experience <strong>of</strong> freedom and the Church’s teach<strong>in</strong>gon human freedom and dignity are not identical. However,the Church’s social teach<strong>in</strong>g equips us as both citizens and believersto participate robustly <strong>in</strong> our democratic form <strong>of</strong> governmentand to evangelize our society with the truth about thehuman person and the conditions for human flourish<strong>in</strong>g.A large U.S. flag hangs from the Knights’ Tower at the Basilica <strong>of</strong> the NationalShr<strong>in</strong>e <strong>of</strong> the Immaculate Conception <strong>in</strong> Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, D.C., welcom<strong>in</strong>gpilgrims to a Mass and Pilgrimage for Life and Liberty Oct. 14, 2012.Archbishop William E. Lori <strong>of</strong> Baltimore celebrated the Mass, which wasattended by nearly 6,000 people from throughout the region.12 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ M A Y 2 0 1 3M A Y 2 0 1 3 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ 13
Right: Archbishop William E. Lori delivers the homily dur<strong>in</strong>g the open<strong>in</strong>gMass for the U.S. bishops’ <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> campaign at the Basilica<strong>of</strong> the National Shr<strong>in</strong>e <strong>of</strong> the Assumption <strong>of</strong> the Blessed Virg<strong>in</strong> Mary <strong>in</strong>Baltimore June 21, 2012. • Below: A girl distributes American flagsat the Rally for Religious <strong>Freedom</strong> June 29, 2012, at the state Capitol<strong>in</strong> Topeka, Kan.Dignitatis Humanae, the groundbreak<strong>in</strong>g Vatican II documenton religious freedom, expla<strong>in</strong>s that the pr<strong>in</strong>ciple <strong>of</strong> religiousfreedom is rooted <strong>in</strong> the dignity <strong>of</strong> the human person,who is “endowed with reason and free will and therefore privilegedto bear personal responsibility” (2). This pr<strong>in</strong>ciple isknown not only by revelation, but also by reason, and it allowshuman persons to fulfill their obligation to seek God.Hence religious freedom is rightly identified as a civil or constitutionalright that is grounded <strong>in</strong> the truth about thehuman person.Accord<strong>in</strong>g to Dignitatis Humanae, all persons “should be atonce impelled by nature and also bound by a moral obligationto seek the truth, especially religious truth. They are alsobound to adhere to the truth, once it is known, and ordertheir whole lives <strong>in</strong> accord with the demands <strong>of</strong> the truth” (2).To be sure, the freedom to embrace truth might sound likean odd idea <strong>in</strong> a culture that <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly values op<strong>in</strong>ion overtruth and even rejects the very idea that truth about the nature<strong>of</strong> th<strong>in</strong>gs is both knowable and b<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g on our consciences.Yet when the very notion <strong>of</strong> truth, especially thetruth about the <strong>in</strong>violable dignity <strong>of</strong> the human person, isdenied, democracy itself beg<strong>in</strong>s to falter. The truth about thehuman person is the foundation <strong>of</strong> all our rights, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>greligious freedom.14 ♦ C O L U M B I A ♦ M A Y 2 0 1 3Because this pr<strong>in</strong>ciple applies to all people, the bishops haveexpressed their support not only for religious organizationsthat are <strong>in</strong> court fight<strong>in</strong>g to preserve the freedom <strong>of</strong> church<strong>in</strong>stitutions from government <strong>in</strong>terference, but also for privateemployers who are <strong>in</strong> court seek<strong>in</strong>g to reta<strong>in</strong> the freedom torun their bus<strong>in</strong>esses accord<strong>in</strong>g to Christian pr<strong>in</strong>ciples.UNITED IN PRAYERThere is an <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g tendency on the part <strong>of</strong> many <strong>in</strong> oursociety to reduce religious liberty almost solely to freedom <strong>of</strong>worship. This we must resist. Religious freedom surely <strong>in</strong>cludesfreedom <strong>of</strong> worship, but it also <strong>in</strong>cludes the freedomfor private <strong>in</strong>dividuals to live their faith <strong>in</strong> the workplace andto advocate <strong>in</strong> the public square those truths and values thatflow from faith. Moreover, authentic religious freedom <strong>in</strong>cludesthe freedom <strong>of</strong> churches and church organizations toconduct their schools, social services and other activities <strong>in</strong>accordance with their beliefs and teach<strong>in</strong>gs.Precisely because <strong>of</strong> this tendency to reduce religious freedomto freedom <strong>of</strong> worship, we need to come together <strong>in</strong>prayer. We need to pray as <strong>in</strong>dividuals and families. We needto pray <strong>in</strong> our Knights <strong>of</strong> Columbus council meet<strong>in</strong>gs and atconventions. And we, the family <strong>of</strong> the Knights <strong>of</strong> Columbus,need to make every effort to participate wholeheartedly<strong>in</strong> the national and local activities <strong>of</strong> this year’s <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for<strong>Freedom</strong>.May we unite <strong>in</strong> protect<strong>in</strong>g our first and most cherishedfreedom, religious liberty!♦ARCHBISHOP WILLIAM E. LORI <strong>of</strong> Baltimore is thesupreme chapla<strong>in</strong> <strong>of</strong> the Knights <strong>of</strong> Columbus and chairman<strong>of</strong> the U.S. bishops’ Ad-Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty.GIRL: CNS photo/Lori Wood Habiger, The Leaven — ARCHBISHOP LORI: CNS photo/Tom McCarthy Jr., Catholic Review
MARRIAGE ANDRELIGIOUS FREEDOMUSCCB Fact Sheet 2013Redef<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Marriage and the Threat to Religious LibertyPope Benedict XVI taught: “Marriage and the family are<strong>in</strong>stitutions that must be promoted and defended from everypossible misrepresentation <strong>of</strong> their true nature, s<strong>in</strong>cewhatever is <strong>in</strong>jurious to them is <strong>in</strong>jurious to society itself”(Sacramentum Caritatis, 29). As the follow<strong>in</strong>g examplesillustrate, efforts to redef<strong>in</strong>e marriage are harm<strong>in</strong>g ourreligious liberties.Ma<strong>in</strong>e (December 2012) – The State <strong>of</strong> Ma<strong>in</strong>e has <strong>in</strong>formedall notaries public (approximately 25,000) – <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g clergy– that regardless <strong>of</strong> religious objections, they must “wed”same-sex “couples,” if they wed opposite-sex couples.Otherwise, these notaries could be subject to a claim <strong>of</strong>discrim<strong>in</strong>ation. In the words <strong>of</strong> one notary: “I’m a Catholicand under no circumstances would I do a same-sexmarriage.” He added, “I’m concerned that if I refused toperform a same-sex marriage, I could be challenged legally.”Maryland (December 2012) – A small bus<strong>in</strong>ess owner hashad to term<strong>in</strong>ate the wedd<strong>in</strong>g portion <strong>of</strong> his bus<strong>in</strong>ess or facelawsuits for not servic<strong>in</strong>g same-sex “wedd<strong>in</strong>gs.” This smallbus<strong>in</strong>ess owner anticipates now los<strong>in</strong>g approximately$50,000 <strong>in</strong> revenue annually.New York (September 2012) – A same-sex “couple” issu<strong>in</strong>g a restaurant for cancell<strong>in</strong>g their rehearsal d<strong>in</strong>ner andthe cater<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> their “wedd<strong>in</strong>g” because the restaurantmanager allegedly does not want to participate <strong>in</strong> “gaywedd<strong>in</strong>gs.” The restaurant manager allegedly cancelled thebus<strong>in</strong>ess arrangement for spiritual reasons.Vermont (August 2012) – <strong>For</strong> allegedly not host<strong>in</strong>g a“wedd<strong>in</strong>g” reception for a same-sex “couple,” Catholicowners <strong>of</strong> a bed and breakfast settled a discrim<strong>in</strong>ationlawsuit, requir<strong>in</strong>g them to (1) pay a $10,000 civil penalty,(2) pay $20,000 to a charitable trust, and (3) not hostwedd<strong>in</strong>g receptions <strong>of</strong> any k<strong>in</strong>d. Upon settl<strong>in</strong>g the lawsuit,the owners <strong>of</strong> the bed and breakfast said, “But no one canforce us to abandon our deeply held beliefs about marriage.”New Jersey (October 2012) – The New Jersey Division onCivil Rights found that a Methodist organization violated apublic accommodations law by not allow<strong>in</strong>g a same-sex civilunion ceremony at its boardwalk pavilion.New Mexico (May 2012) – The owners <strong>of</strong> a photographystudio would not take the pictures <strong>of</strong> a same-sex“commitment ceremony” because they did not want toparticipate <strong>in</strong> behavior contrary to their religious beliefs. InMay 2012, the New Mexico Court <strong>of</strong> Appeals denied theowners’ appeal, affirm<strong>in</strong>g the lower court op<strong>in</strong>ion that thestudio violated the state Human Rights Act. The owners <strong>of</strong>the studio, who have also been ordered to pay almost $7,000<strong>in</strong> attorneys’ fees to the compla<strong>in</strong>ant, have appealed to theNew Mexico State Supreme Court.Catholic Charities – Catholic Charities <strong>of</strong> Boston (2006),Catholic Charities San Francisco (2006), Catholic Charities<strong>of</strong> the Archdiocese <strong>of</strong> Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, D.C., (2010), andCatholic Charities affiliates <strong>in</strong> Ill<strong>in</strong>ois (2011) had to ceaseadoption services or face civil liability for not plac<strong>in</strong>gchildren <strong>in</strong> the homes <strong>of</strong> same-sex couples.What can you do to ensure the protection <strong>of</strong> religious freedom at home and abroad?The U.S. Bishops have called for a <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> from June 21 to July 4.Please visit www.fortnight4freedom.org for more <strong>in</strong>formation on this important time<strong>of</strong> prayer, education, and action <strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious freedom!
DISCRIMINATION AGAINST CATHOLICHUMANITARIAN SERVICESUSCCB Fact Sheet 2013RELIGIOUS LIBERTY UNDER ATTACKA Concrete Example<strong>For</strong> decades, the U.S. Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops’Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) has carried out thecommitment <strong>of</strong> the U.S. Bishops to serve and advocate forrefugees, asylees, and other forced migrants, immigrants, andother people on the move. Special concern is given tothe most vulnerable among these populations, such asthe victims <strong>of</strong> human traffick<strong>in</strong>g. This commitment isrooted <strong>in</strong> the Gospel mandate that every person is to bewelcomed by the disciple as if he or she were ChristHimself, and <strong>in</strong> the right <strong>of</strong> every human be<strong>in</strong>g to pursue,without constra<strong>in</strong>t, the call to hol<strong>in</strong>ess.MRS developed years <strong>of</strong> expertise <strong>in</strong> actively work<strong>in</strong>g to endhuman traffick<strong>in</strong>g and protect those adults and children whohave been exploited through traffick<strong>in</strong>g. In 2006, MRS’sAnti-Traffick<strong>in</strong>g Services Program (ATSP) beganadm<strong>in</strong>ister<strong>in</strong>g a federal program to provide <strong>in</strong>tensive casemanagement to foreign national victims <strong>of</strong> humantraffick<strong>in</strong>g identified <strong>in</strong> the U.S. and its territories. In 2010,through its network <strong>of</strong> subcontract<strong>in</strong>g agencies, ATSPhelped survivors <strong>of</strong> human traffick<strong>in</strong>g from 64 countries,with the largest number <strong>of</strong> survivors from India, Mexico,Thailand, the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, and Haiti. Survivors had beentrafficked on farms, <strong>in</strong> hotels and cas<strong>in</strong>os, <strong>in</strong> private homes,<strong>in</strong> spas, and <strong>in</strong> other <strong>in</strong>dustries for the purposes <strong>of</strong> forcedlabor and/or sex traffick<strong>in</strong>g.However, despite many years <strong>of</strong> excellent performance byMRS <strong>in</strong> adm<strong>in</strong>ister<strong>in</strong>g contract services for victims <strong>of</strong> humantraffick<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong> 2011, the federal government changed itscontract specifications to require MRS to provide or referfor contraceptive and abortion “services” <strong>in</strong> violation <strong>of</strong>Catholic teach<strong>in</strong>g. The federal government refused to awarda grant to MRS despite MRS’s earn<strong>in</strong>g a far higher objectivescore from the government’s <strong>in</strong>dependent grant evaluatorsthan two others that were awarded grants. And those twoscored so low that they were deemed unqualified.Religious <strong>in</strong>stitutions should not be disqualified from agovernment contract based on religious belief, and theydo not somehow lose their religious identity or liberty uponenter<strong>in</strong>g such contracts. And yet a federal court <strong>in</strong>Massachusetts, turn<strong>in</strong>g religious liberty on its head, declaredthat the First Amendment requires such a disqualification—that the government somehow violates religious liberty byallow<strong>in</strong>g Catholic organizations to participate <strong>in</strong> contracts <strong>in</strong>a manner consistent with their beliefs on contraception andabortion. <strong>For</strong>tunately, <strong>in</strong> January 2013, an appeals courtvacated this terrible decision. But the possibility <strong>of</strong> similarsuits <strong>in</strong> the future rema<strong>in</strong>s.Is our most cherished freedom truly under threat?Among many current challenges, the federal government hasdiscrim<strong>in</strong>ated aga<strong>in</strong>st Catholic humanitarian services basedon their religious beliefs, even when those beliefs had noimpact on performance. Religious liberty is more thanfreedom <strong>of</strong> worship; it <strong>in</strong>cludes our ability to make ourcontribution to the common good <strong>of</strong> all Americans withouthav<strong>in</strong>g to compromise our faith. Without religious libertyproperly understood, all <strong>of</strong> us suffer, especially victims <strong>of</strong>human traffick<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> need <strong>of</strong> important services.What can you do to ensure the protection <strong>of</strong> religious freedom at home and abroad?The U.S. Bishops have called for a <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> from June 21 to July 4.Please visit www.fortnight4freedom.org for more <strong>in</strong>formation on this important time<strong>of</strong> prayer, education, and action <strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious freedom!
DISCRIMINATION AGAINST CHRISTIANSTUDENTS ON CAMPUSUSCCB Fact Sheet 2013RELIGIOUS LIBERTY UNDER ATTACKA Concrete ExampleIn its over-100-year history, the University <strong>of</strong> CaliforniaHast<strong>in</strong>gs College <strong>of</strong> Law (UC Hast<strong>in</strong>gs) had never deniedstudent organization status to any group. That is, until thelaw school decided <strong>in</strong> 2004 to strip the campus chapter <strong>of</strong>the Christian Legal Society (CLS) <strong>of</strong> recognition.The UC Hast<strong>in</strong>gs student CLS chapter welcomed allmembers <strong>of</strong> the university community to participate <strong>in</strong> itsactivities but required its <strong>of</strong>ficers and vot<strong>in</strong>g members—whospoke on its behalf, voted on its policies and programs, andled its Bible studies—to share and abide by the group’s corebeliefs. These beliefs <strong>in</strong>cluded be<strong>in</strong>g Christian andabsta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g from sexual activity outside <strong>of</strong> marriage. UCHast<strong>in</strong>gs decided at the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the 2004 school yearthat CLS’s vot<strong>in</strong>g membership and <strong>of</strong>fice-holderrequirements violated the religion and “sexual orientation”provisions <strong>of</strong> its Policy on Nondiscrim<strong>in</strong>ation. UC Hast<strong>in</strong>gsthen denied CLS “Registered Student Organization” (RSO)status.That same year, approximately sixty RSOs—organizedaround diverse <strong>in</strong>terests <strong>in</strong> politics, religion, culture, race,ethnicity, and human sexuality—existed on campus.However, the CLS student chapter became the onlygroup ever denied RSO status at UC Hast<strong>in</strong>gs.CLS then sued, claim<strong>in</strong>g that UC Hast<strong>in</strong>gs violated itsconstitutionally protected rights <strong>of</strong> free speech, expressiveassociation, free exercise <strong>of</strong> religion, and equal protection <strong>of</strong>the laws. Unfortunately, CLS was denied relief by thefederal courts, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the U.S. Supreme Court, because <strong>of</strong>the specific nature <strong>of</strong> the policy at UC Hast<strong>in</strong>gs, whichallegedly required student groups to accept all students,regardless <strong>of</strong> their status or beliefs. The Court concludedthat public universities may override a religious studentgroup’s right to determ<strong>in</strong>e its leadership only if it denies thatright to all student groups.The decision <strong>in</strong> CLS v. Mart<strong>in</strong>ez, 561 U.S. __ (2010) couldhave a damag<strong>in</strong>g effect on the religious liberty <strong>of</strong> all studentsattend<strong>in</strong>g public colleges and universities. The decision putsmany other student groups across the country at risk andleaves room for absurd scenarios, such as requir<strong>in</strong>g CLS toallow atheists to lead its Bible studies. Recently, asimilar policy at private Vanderbilt University forced theschool’s Catholic student group <strong>of</strong>f campus becauseVanderbilt Catholic requires that its leaders be Catholic(although it allows anyone to be a member <strong>of</strong> the group).Is our most cherished freedom truly under threat?Among many current challenges, such extreme“nondiscrim<strong>in</strong>ation” policies deprive students <strong>of</strong> the right toexercise freely and fully their religious beliefs. Religiousliberty is not only about our ability to go to Mass on Sundayor pray the Rosary at home. It <strong>in</strong>cludes our ability to gatherwith other members <strong>of</strong> our faith outside <strong>of</strong> church andre<strong>in</strong>force our beliefs with<strong>in</strong> a group sett<strong>in</strong>g. Withoutreligious liberty properly understood, all Americans,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g students on campus, suffer.What can you do to ensure the protection <strong>of</strong> religious freedom at home and abroad?The U.S. Bishops have called for a <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> from June 21 to July 4.Please visit www.fortnight4freedom.org for more <strong>in</strong>formation on this important time<strong>of</strong> prayer, education, and action <strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious freedom!
DISCRIMINATION AGAINST SMALLCHURCH CONGREGATIONSUSCCB Fact Sheet 2013RELIGIOUS LIBERTY UNDER ATTACKA Concrete ExampleIn 1994, New York City’s Department <strong>of</strong> Education deniedthe request <strong>of</strong> the Bronx Household <strong>of</strong> Faith and severalother churches to rent space from public schools onweekends for worship services, even though non-religiousgroups could rent the same schools for scores <strong>of</strong> other uses.Litigation began soon afterward, and now, nearly 18 yearslater, about 60-80 small church and synagogue congregationscont<strong>in</strong>ue to fight for their rights guaranteed by the U.S.Constitution. The church groups have been serv<strong>in</strong>g theircommunities for years and simply wish to be able to rentvacant school space as the City allows other groups to do.In June 2011, a federal appellate court upheld New YorkCity’s ban on private worship services meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> vacantpublic schools on weekends. The court stated that a churchcould conduct a meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the NYC public schools thatconta<strong>in</strong>ed s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g, pray<strong>in</strong>g, preach<strong>in</strong>g, and fellowship, butthat they could not conduct a “worship service.” But somedenom<strong>in</strong>ations’ worship services consist only <strong>of</strong> s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g,pray<strong>in</strong>g, preach<strong>in</strong>g, and fellowship.New York City claims that it only goes on the word <strong>of</strong> thereligious group—that is, if the group says that it is notconduct<strong>in</strong>g a worship service, then it can meet. However,the churches claim that the City and school employees havebeen <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>g what the churches do <strong>in</strong> the publicschools and that the City has made its own assessments <strong>of</strong>whether the meet<strong>in</strong>gs constitute a “worship service” or not.Many New York City churchgoers have been protest<strong>in</strong>g theCity’s plans to evict them ever s<strong>in</strong>ce the U.S. Supreme Courtdecl<strong>in</strong>ed to take up the case <strong>in</strong> December 2011.In June 2012, a federal district court issued a permanent<strong>in</strong>junction aga<strong>in</strong>st the City’s policy, rul<strong>in</strong>g that the policyviolated the Free Exercise Clause and the EstablishmentClause <strong>of</strong> the U.S. Constitution. However, the City hasfought aga<strong>in</strong>st the churches’ constitutional rights every step<strong>of</strong> the way, so litigation and appeals will cont<strong>in</strong>ue.On the legislative front, the New York Senate passed a bill<strong>in</strong> January 2012 essentially repeal<strong>in</strong>g New York City’s ban onprivate worship services, but the bill stalled <strong>in</strong> the Assembly.While New York City’s discrim<strong>in</strong>ation would not frequentlyaffect Catholic parishes, which generally own their ownbuild<strong>in</strong>gs, this k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>of</strong> discrim<strong>in</strong>ation can be devastat<strong>in</strong>g tomany smaller congregations, who merely seek to rent vacantspace <strong>in</strong> schools on weekends, as civic clubs and otherorganizations do. The City’s policy is a simple case <strong>of</strong>discrim<strong>in</strong>ation aga<strong>in</strong>st religious believers: people mayassemble <strong>in</strong> vacant school space for any peaceful purpose—except worship.Is our most cherished freedom truly under threat?Among many current challenges, New York City’s policyseverely dim<strong>in</strong>ishes many churchgoers’ right to exercisefreely and fully their religious beliefs. Without religiousliberty properly understood, all Americans suffer.What can you do to ensure the protection <strong>of</strong> religious freedom at home and abroad?The U.S. Bishops have called for a <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> from June 21 to July 4.Please visit www.fortnight4freedom.org for more <strong>in</strong>formation on this important time<strong>of</strong> prayer, education, and action <strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious freedom!
PROVIDING PASTORAL CARETO IMMIGRANTSUSCCB Fact Sheet 2013RELIGIOUS LIBERTY UNDER ATTACKA Concrete ExampleNational and local Catholic charitable agencies around thecountry have long provided services to people <strong>in</strong> need,regardless <strong>of</strong> immigration status. However, several stateshave recently passed laws that forbid what statelegislatures consider “harbor<strong>in</strong>g” <strong>of</strong> undocumentedimmigrants—and what the Church considers Christiancharity and pastoral care to those immigrants.In Alabama, for example, the Catholic bishops, <strong>in</strong>cooperation with the Episcopal and Methodist bishops <strong>of</strong>Alabama, filed suit aga<strong>in</strong>st a law prohibit<strong>in</strong>g “harbor<strong>in</strong>g”<strong>of</strong> undocumented immigrants. Together, they expla<strong>in</strong>edthat the “law makes illegal the exercise <strong>of</strong> our Christianreligion which we, as citizens <strong>of</strong> Alabama, have a right t<strong>of</strong>ollow.” They expressed concern that legally prohibited“harbor<strong>in</strong>g” (when there is knowledge or recklessdisregard <strong>of</strong> the fact that persons are undocumentedimmigrants) would substantially burden their churches <strong>in</strong>their mission to serve undocumented immigrants <strong>in</strong>Alabama.The law would have a chill<strong>in</strong>g effect on their m<strong>in</strong>istries—among other th<strong>in</strong>gs, these church leaders feared that theprohibition on “harbor<strong>in</strong>g” would extend to activities like“encourag[<strong>in</strong>g immigrants] to attend Mass or giv[<strong>in</strong>g]them a ride to Mass;” “counsel[<strong>in</strong>g] them <strong>in</strong> times <strong>of</strong>difficulty or <strong>in</strong> preparation for marriage;” and <strong>in</strong>vit<strong>in</strong>g“them to come to Alcoholic Anonymous meet<strong>in</strong>gs orother recovery groups at our churches.”Other states have adopted similar laws that threaten theChurch’s m<strong>in</strong>istry to undocumented immigrants. InMarch 2012, the U.S. Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops andseveral other Christian denom<strong>in</strong>ations filed an amicus briefwith the U.S. Supreme Court <strong>in</strong> the case <strong>of</strong> Arizona v.United States. The brief discussed how the Arizona lawand many state immigration laws like it threaten theCatholic mission to provide food, shelter, and other careto all. In June 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court issued itsdecision and found that several <strong>of</strong> the provisions <strong>of</strong> theArizona law were pre-empted by federal immigration law,so these provisions were struck down.Aside from Alabama and Arizona, Georgia,Oklahoma, South Carol<strong>in</strong>a, and Utah have enactedlaws that generally make crim<strong>in</strong>al the “harbor<strong>in</strong>g” <strong>of</strong>undocumented immigrants.Is our most cherished freedom truly under threat?Among many current challenges, these state immigrationlaws affect the religious liberty <strong>of</strong> the Church becausethey have crim<strong>in</strong>alized certa<strong>in</strong> acts <strong>of</strong> Christian charityand pastoral care. Religious liberty is more than freedom<strong>of</strong> worship; it <strong>in</strong>cludes our ability to make ourcontribution to the common good <strong>of</strong> all Americanswithout hav<strong>in</strong>g to compromise our faith. Withoutreligious liberty properly understood, all <strong>of</strong> us suffer,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g those who seek a better life here <strong>in</strong> the UnitedStates.What can you do to ensure the protection <strong>of</strong> religious freedom at home and abroad?The U.S. Bishops have called for a <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> from June 21 to July 4.Please visit www.fortnight4freedom.org for more <strong>in</strong>formation on this important time<strong>of</strong> prayer, education, and action <strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious freedom!
RELIGIOUS LIBERTYATTACKED IN EGYPTUSCCB Fact Sheet 2013Christians <strong>in</strong> Egypt: Solidarity or Suffer<strong>in</strong>g?In early January 2012, at Midnight Mass celebrat<strong>in</strong>g thebirth <strong>of</strong> Christ, the Coptic Catholic church <strong>in</strong> Luxor,Egypt was surrounded by Muslims. These Muslims werenot there to attack the worshippers, but rather toprotect them. Muslims formed a cordon <strong>of</strong> securityaround the church. Some even took part <strong>in</strong> the serviceto visibly demonstrate their solidarity with Christians.Bishop Johannes Zakaria, the Coptic Catholic Bishop <strong>of</strong>Luxor, was moved to say, “I was able to witness <strong>in</strong>person how ord<strong>in</strong>ary Muslims – just normal people wholive around us – embraced our community. ... Thesebrethren <strong>of</strong> ours have rejected violence; have assertedthat terrorism is not true Islam.While this expression <strong>of</strong> solidarity and support wasmuch appreciated, unfortunately Christians <strong>in</strong> Egyptfrequently face discrim<strong>in</strong>ation, attacks, bomb<strong>in</strong>gs andkill<strong>in</strong>gs at the hands <strong>of</strong> extremists <strong>in</strong>tent on tak<strong>in</strong>gadvantage <strong>of</strong> current political <strong>in</strong>stability to promote anagenda <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>tolerance for any religion except Islam.Coptic Christians make up about ten-percent <strong>of</strong> Egypt’s86 million people. Of that number, the vast majority areCoptic Orthodox. Coptic Catholics number about250,000. Under President Hosni Mubarak, Christiansneeded special permission to build or repair theirchurches. They were discrim<strong>in</strong>ated aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>in</strong>employment, particularly for high-level positions <strong>in</strong> thegovernment and military. Worse yet, vandalism andviolent attacks aga<strong>in</strong>st Christian communities andbus<strong>in</strong>esses, some result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> deaths, usually wentunpunished.Both Christians and Muslims jo<strong>in</strong>ed together <strong>in</strong> TahrirSquare to help br<strong>in</strong>g down the Mubarak government.In light <strong>of</strong> this fact, many Christians thought life wouldimprove and that they would be able to participate moreequally <strong>in</strong> Egyptian society. Instead, conditions haveworsened. Extremists have taken advantage <strong>of</strong><strong>in</strong>stability.Churches <strong>in</strong> Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and other parts<strong>of</strong> the country have been bombed, and the level <strong>of</strong>violence directed aga<strong>in</strong>st Christians has <strong>in</strong>creased. <strong>For</strong>example, <strong>in</strong> October 2011, a peaceful protest byChristians about lack <strong>of</strong> police response to attacks ontwo churches <strong>in</strong> southern Egypt that left 12 dead andover 200 <strong>in</strong>jured was met by Army tanks and guns thatkilled at least 17 protesters.Egypt now has its first democratically elected president,but Christians wonder if the human rights <strong>of</strong> all,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g religious m<strong>in</strong>orities, will be respected. Manyquestion provisions <strong>in</strong> the new Constitution that mayunderm<strong>in</strong>e their rights.Countless Egyptian Christians have fled Egypt s<strong>in</strong>ceMarch 2011 with some 100,000 com<strong>in</strong>g to the U.S. alone.But the vast majority <strong>of</strong> Christians rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> Egypt despitethe uncerta<strong>in</strong>ty <strong>of</strong> what lies ahead. They and their leadersare work<strong>in</strong>g with Muslims <strong>of</strong> good will to build an<strong>in</strong>clusive society respectful <strong>of</strong> the human rights <strong>of</strong> all.What can you do to ensure the protection <strong>of</strong> religious freedom at home and abroad?The U.S. Bishops have called for a <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> from June 21 to July 4.Please visit www.fortnight4freedom.org for more <strong>in</strong>formation on this important time<strong>of</strong> prayer, education, and action <strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty!
RELIGIOUS LIBERTYATTACKED IN INDONESIAUSCCB Fact Sheet 2013The Plight <strong>of</strong> Religious M<strong>in</strong>orities: Struggl<strong>in</strong>g to Survive <strong>in</strong> IndonesiaThough Indonesia has made some strides <strong>in</strong> recent years tobuild a stronger democratic government with a viable civilsociety and an <strong>in</strong>dependent media, serious human rightsviolations cont<strong>in</strong>ue to mar progress. Even as top <strong>of</strong>ficials<strong>of</strong>fer rhetoric about protect<strong>in</strong>g the rights <strong>of</strong> all, hesitancyrema<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> ensur<strong>in</strong>g compliance with <strong>in</strong>ternational humanrights standards and effectively prosecut<strong>in</strong>g crimes.Indonesia’s constitution, laws, and policies establish freedom<strong>of</strong> religion, but some courts and law enforcement <strong>of</strong>ficialsfail to protect religious m<strong>in</strong>orities and prosecute violators,foster<strong>in</strong>g impunity that cont<strong>in</strong>ues to be a significanth<strong>in</strong>drance to religious freedom and human rights.Indonesia has a population <strong>of</strong> about 237 million, almost88% <strong>of</strong> which is Muslim. A large number <strong>of</strong> religiouslybasedacts <strong>of</strong> violence are perpetrated by non-ma<strong>in</strong>streamMuslims. Most Indonesians practice a very moderate andtolerant expression <strong>of</strong> Islam, but more militant groups havebecome <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly active <strong>in</strong> recent years. These extremistsgroups tend to be the source <strong>of</strong> aggravated attacks directedat other Muslim sects and non-Muslims alike.Acts <strong>of</strong> violence aga<strong>in</strong>st religious m<strong>in</strong>orities have becomemore alarm<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong>ce 2011. Religious extremists havecoord<strong>in</strong>ated attacks on m<strong>in</strong>ority groups, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Christiansand both Ahmadi and Shia Muslims at prayer <strong>in</strong> Java,Sumatra, and other prov<strong>in</strong>ces. The U.S. State Departmentreports that <strong>in</strong> 2010 alone, about 125 attacks aga<strong>in</strong>streligious m<strong>in</strong>orities were recorded. This number is estimatedto have been even higher <strong>in</strong> 2011 and 2012.What may be most troubl<strong>in</strong>g about these attacks is theperfunctory response they have drawn from manyIndonesian courts and police forces. In February 2011, asmall Ahmadiyah mosque was attacked by a mob <strong>of</strong>extremists. Three men were killed as police forces stood byand watched. Though some members <strong>of</strong> the militant mobwere arrested, murder or manslaughter charges were notpursued. Instead, the courts opted to br<strong>in</strong>g m<strong>in</strong>or charges <strong>of</strong>“<strong>in</strong>citement, assault, and torture” aga<strong>in</strong>st the persecutors,who received light prison sentences <strong>of</strong> about 6 months.Tragically, victims who survived were also sentenced to sixmonths <strong>in</strong> prison for “<strong>in</strong>cit<strong>in</strong>g the violence.”Christians have faced harassment and been prevented fromworship<strong>in</strong>g. Churches have been burned to the ground.Christians have been attacked–<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g one priest who wasstabbed to death outside <strong>of</strong> his church–with fewrepercussions aga<strong>in</strong>st those perpetrat<strong>in</strong>g the violence. <strong>For</strong>religious m<strong>in</strong>orities liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Indonesia, the deck is stackedaga<strong>in</strong>st them. They face persecution and are <strong>in</strong>adequatelyprotected by government authorities.A blasphemy law dat<strong>in</strong>g back to the mid-1960s has alsocontributed to imprisonment, mistreatment, and harassment.In 2012, a Muslim-born man was imprisoned for giv<strong>in</strong>g uphis faith. The law has also emboldened extremists byprovid<strong>in</strong>g a “legal basis” for their actions. In Indonesia,much more should be done to promote the freedom <strong>of</strong> allpeople to practice their faith <strong>in</strong> peace. Protect<strong>in</strong>g thisfoundational freedom will ultimately strengthen the rule <strong>of</strong>law and benefit all Indonesians.What can you do to ensure the protection <strong>of</strong> religious freedom at home and abroad?The U.S. Bishops have called for a <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> from June 21 to July 4.Please visit www.fortnight4freedom.org for more <strong>in</strong>formation on this important time<strong>of</strong> prayer, education, and action <strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty!
RELIGIOUS LIBERTYATTACKED IN IRAQUSCCB Fact Sheet 2013Christian Community <strong>in</strong> Iraq – Struggl<strong>in</strong>g to SurviveSunday even<strong>in</strong>g Mass had just started at Our Lady <strong>of</strong>Salvation Catholic Cathedral on October 31, 2010 whenexplosions were heard nearby. One priest beganshepherd<strong>in</strong>g parishioners <strong>in</strong>to a fortified back room, butheavily armed suicide bombers entered the church andbarricaded the doors. Another priest approached theattackers and begged them to spare the worshippers. Hewas shot and died with a crucifix <strong>in</strong> his hand. The attackersbegan shoot<strong>in</strong>g randomly as they rounded up parishionersrema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the church and held them hostage. They triedto break <strong>in</strong>to the fortified room where 60 people werehuddled and when unsuccessful, threw grenades <strong>in</strong>through a w<strong>in</strong>dow.Several hours later Iraqi security forces stormed the churchto free the hostages as the attackers exploded their suicidevests. In the end, 58 hostages, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g two priests, a 3month-old child, and police were killed, and 75 werewounded. The walls <strong>of</strong> the church were scarred withbullets and blood. An al-Qaeda affiliated group claimedresponsibility.This horrific attack was roundly denounced by many,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Iraqi Muslim leaders. Pope Benedict XVIexpressed pr<strong>of</strong>ound sorrow “at this absurd violence, whichis even more savage because it struck defenseless people,gathered <strong>in</strong> God’s house, which is a house <strong>of</strong> love andreconciliation.”Unfortunately, this attack was not the only attack aga<strong>in</strong>stChristians <strong>in</strong> Iraq, even though it rema<strong>in</strong>s memorable dueto the scale <strong>of</strong> the carnage. Christians, who used tonumber about 1.4 million <strong>in</strong> Iraq before 2003, have <strong>of</strong>tenbeen targeted by extremists, some <strong>of</strong> whom are allied withpolitical parties seek<strong>in</strong>g to ga<strong>in</strong> advantage. In an unstablepolitical environment, Christians are viewed as “s<strong>of</strong>ttargets” s<strong>in</strong>ce they do not have their own militias.Systematic kidnapp<strong>in</strong>gs, even <strong>of</strong> priests and bishops forransom, and kill<strong>in</strong>gs have caused thousands <strong>of</strong> Christiansto flee their homes, either go<strong>in</strong>g abroad or be<strong>in</strong>g displaced<strong>in</strong>ternally, try<strong>in</strong>g to f<strong>in</strong>d safe haven. Safety is hard to f<strong>in</strong>d.Some Iraqi Christians have been displaced numerous timesand are runn<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>of</strong> resources.The number <strong>of</strong> Christians <strong>in</strong> Iraq is now estimated to beabout 400,000, and at one level their future appears bleak,but <strong>in</strong> March 2013 a new Chaldean Catholic Patriarch,Louis Raphael I Sako, was enthroned. He implored hisflock: “Do not isolate yourselves and do not emigrate.Whatever the pressures you are under, this is your land andthe contribution you can give does not depend on yournumber but on your attitude.”Bishop Richard E. Pates, Chairman <strong>of</strong> the Committee onInternational Justice and Peace, represented USCCB at thePatriarchal event <strong>in</strong> Baghdad. He reported that <strong>in</strong> a sign <strong>of</strong>support for the Christians <strong>of</strong> Iraq, high-rank<strong>in</strong>g public<strong>of</strong>ficials, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g both the Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister and theSpeaker <strong>of</strong> the Parliament, a Shia and a Sunni Muslimrespectively, attended the Patriarch’s <strong>in</strong>stallation.The ancient Church <strong>in</strong> Iraq is struggl<strong>in</strong>g to survive and t<strong>of</strong>lourish aga<strong>in</strong>. The Christians who rema<strong>in</strong>, and the bravepriests and sisters who serve them, are striv<strong>in</strong>g to build anew Iraq that <strong>in</strong>cludes space for the historic Christiancommunity to participate <strong>in</strong> what has traditionally been amulti-ethnic and multi-religious society. Foster<strong>in</strong>g religiousfreedom will strengthen the rule <strong>of</strong> law and the protection<strong>of</strong> human rights for all Iraqis.What can you do to ensure the protection <strong>of</strong> religious freedom at home and abroad?The U.S. Bishops have called for a <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> from June 21 to July 4.Please visit www.fortnight4freedom.org for more <strong>in</strong>formation on this important time<strong>of</strong> prayer, education, and action <strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty!
RELIGIOUS FREEDOMATTACKED IN NIGERIAUSCCB Fact Sheet 2013Boko Haram Runs Rampant: A Concrete Example <strong>of</strong> Religious PersecutionBoko Haram has made a name for itself <strong>in</strong> a short time,grabb<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ternational media headl<strong>in</strong>es with high-pr<strong>of</strong>ileattacks. An Islamist extremist movement whose nametranslates <strong>in</strong>to “Western education is forbidden,” BokoHaram has tried to establish an Islamic state <strong>in</strong> Nigeria. Ithas stepped up attacks aga<strong>in</strong>st Nigerian government <strong>of</strong>fices,media, schools, universities, and churches.Boko Haram bombed St. Theresa’s Catholic Church outsidethe Nigerian capital <strong>of</strong> Abuja on Christmas Day 2011, kill<strong>in</strong>gat least 44 parishioners and <strong>in</strong>jur<strong>in</strong>g many others. On EasterSunday 2012, it arranged the suicide car bomb<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> aProtestant church that killed 39 and wounded dozens. Anumber <strong>of</strong> other Christian churches <strong>in</strong> cities throughout thenorth have been attacked. Boko Haram has attackedNigerian Muslims it believes to be too secular or moderate.Churches are not its only target. In April, the movementattacked a build<strong>in</strong>g hous<strong>in</strong>g Nigeria’s major daily newspaperand two other newspapers, ostensibly because they objectedto what Boko Haram viewed as <strong>in</strong>accuracy <strong>in</strong> mediareport<strong>in</strong>g. Gunmen stormed one university and threwimprovised explosive devices dur<strong>in</strong>g a Catholic Mass.Gunshots and blasts have rocked another university. Policeand military have also been targeted. It is estimated thatBoko Haram is responsible for the deaths <strong>of</strong> over 1,200people s<strong>in</strong>ce 2009.Nigeria is the most populous nation <strong>in</strong> Africa and theseventh most populous <strong>in</strong> the world. Its over 170 millionpeople are roughly evenly divided between Christians andMuslims. Christian and Muslim religious leaders have astrong history <strong>of</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g together for mutual respect andtolerance.Emerg<strong>in</strong>g from a colonial past <strong>in</strong> 1960, tribal and ethnicallegiances rema<strong>in</strong> strong and have contributed to a history<strong>of</strong> ethnic conflict and coups. Nigeria is the twelfth largestproducer <strong>of</strong> oil <strong>in</strong> the world. Oil revenues have also led todisputes, sometimes violent, over who controls and benefitsfrom the sale <strong>of</strong> oil. Tragically, oil wealth has fueled a highlevel <strong>of</strong> corruption. The government is struggl<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the face<strong>of</strong> all <strong>of</strong> these compet<strong>in</strong>g forces. These targeted attacks byBoko Haram are aimed at fuel<strong>in</strong>g sectarian sentiments andprovok<strong>in</strong>g religious conflict.The Catholic Church is a major public presence <strong>in</strong> Nigeriaand has worked to calm religious tensions. After theChristmas Day bomb<strong>in</strong>g, the United States Conference <strong>of</strong>Catholic Bishops expressed solidarity with the Church <strong>in</strong>Nigeria and called for prayers for all those who have beenkilled or <strong>in</strong>jured, as well as their families. With our HolyFather, the U.S. bishops affirmed, “Violence is a path thatleads only to pa<strong>in</strong>, destruction and death; respect,reconciliation and love are the paths to peace.”The Church <strong>in</strong> Nigeria is work<strong>in</strong>g with the Muslimcommunity to strengthen governance, reduce corruptionand marg<strong>in</strong>alize extremists. Protection <strong>of</strong> religious freedomis <strong>in</strong>tegral to form<strong>in</strong>g an <strong>in</strong>clusive society respectful <strong>of</strong> thehuman rights <strong>of</strong> all.What can you do to ensure the protection <strong>of</strong> religious freedom at home and abroad?The U.S. Bishops have called for a <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> from June 21 to July 4.Please visit www.fortnight4freedom.org for more <strong>in</strong>formation on this important time<strong>of</strong> prayer, education, and action <strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious freedom!
RELIGIOUS LIBERTYATTACKED IN PAKISTANUSCCB Fact Sheet 2013Dy<strong>in</strong>g to Defend the Suffer<strong>in</strong>g Rights <strong>of</strong> the PeopleShahbaz Bhatti, the first Catholic to serve as M<strong>in</strong>ister forM<strong>in</strong>orities Affairs <strong>in</strong> Pakistan’s government, knew he was liv<strong>in</strong>gon borrowed time when he came to Wash<strong>in</strong>gton <strong>in</strong> February2011. He was <strong>in</strong>vited to talk with Secretary <strong>of</strong> State HillaryCl<strong>in</strong>ton about his work to promote <strong>in</strong>terfaith harmony.As he spoke about religious freedom <strong>in</strong> Pakistan, he was clearlyunder considerable pressure. In media <strong>in</strong>terviews, he was askedabout death threats he had received. He calmly replied: “Iwould prefer to die for my pr<strong>in</strong>ciples and for the justice <strong>of</strong> mycommunity rather than to compromise on these threats.”Despite the danger, Bhatti chose to return to Pakistan tocont<strong>in</strong>ue his struggle to ensure the safety and rights <strong>of</strong> religiousm<strong>in</strong>orities, but his fight was cut short. On March 2, 2011,Bhatti was gunned down; a terrorist group claimed credit,call<strong>in</strong>g Bhatti a “known blasphemer.”Shahbaz Bhatti had a long career <strong>of</strong> speak<strong>in</strong>g up for m<strong>in</strong>orities.Appo<strong>in</strong>ted M<strong>in</strong>ister <strong>in</strong> 2008, Bhatti made it his mission to workfor the “oppressed, down-trodden and marg<strong>in</strong>alized” <strong>in</strong>Pakistani society. Among the measures he promoted to supportreligious m<strong>in</strong>orities were: a national campaign to promote<strong>in</strong>terfaith dialogue and harmony; laws to ban hate speech;reserv<strong>in</strong>g some Senate seats and government jobs form<strong>in</strong>orities; and repeal <strong>of</strong> laws discrim<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st m<strong>in</strong>orities,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g revisions to the blasphemy law.It was that last effort—revisions to the blasphemy law <strong>of</strong>tenused with impunity to accuse someone <strong>of</strong> hav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>sulted ordefamed the Prophet Muhammad, the Quran, or Islam—thatearned him the enmity <strong>of</strong> hardl<strong>in</strong>e Islamic militants andultimately led to his death. He was not the only prom<strong>in</strong>entPakistani to die defend<strong>in</strong>g religious freedom. In January 2011,Salmaan Taseer, Governor <strong>of</strong> Punjab Prov<strong>in</strong>ce and a Muslim,was assass<strong>in</strong>ated by his own bodyguard because Taseer hadadvocated changes <strong>in</strong> Pakistan’s harsh blasphemy laws.Governor Taseer and M<strong>in</strong>ister Bhatti had both spoke out <strong>in</strong>support <strong>of</strong> Asia Bibi, a Christian mother <strong>of</strong> five unjustlyaccused <strong>of</strong> blasphemy <strong>in</strong> 2009, convicted, and sentenced todeath <strong>in</strong> 2010. She has appealed the verdict and rema<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong>prison. Governor Taseer had visited Bibi <strong>in</strong> prison. Follow<strong>in</strong>gthe kill<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Governor Taseer, his bodyguard was likewiseconvicted, but many clerics hailed him as a hero and threatenedthe judge who passed sentence. The sole suspect <strong>in</strong> the kill<strong>in</strong>g<strong>of</strong> Shahbaz Bhatti was acquitted for lack <strong>of</strong> evidence.If such prom<strong>in</strong>ent figures—a Christian cab<strong>in</strong>et m<strong>in</strong>ister and aMuslim prov<strong>in</strong>cial governor—are killed for their support forreligious freedom, th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>of</strong> the plight <strong>of</strong> ord<strong>in</strong>ary PakistaniChristians and other m<strong>in</strong>orities who live <strong>in</strong> constant fear <strong>of</strong>religiously motivated violence. Attacks aga<strong>in</strong>st Christians,Ahmadis, H<strong>in</strong>dus, and Sikhs are ongo<strong>in</strong>g; many are killed andwounded. Churches and mosques, homes and bus<strong>in</strong>esses areburned, and livelihoods destroyed. Blasphemy laws make it easyto denounce m<strong>in</strong>orities, <strong>of</strong>ten to ga<strong>in</strong> economic or personaladvantage. Christian and H<strong>in</strong>du girls have been abducted,forcibly converted and married to Muslim men. Somem<strong>in</strong>orities who work as domestics have been abused. In many<strong>of</strong> these <strong>in</strong>stances, police are reluctant to register compla<strong>in</strong>ts bym<strong>in</strong>orities or to pursue cases. Some Christians accused <strong>of</strong>blasphemy have been acquitted, only to be gunned down onthe steps <strong>of</strong> the court.At the time <strong>of</strong> Shahbaz Bhatti’s death, many lauded him for hisheroic fight for religious freedom. Bhatti himself said, “I wantto make it clear that I am m<strong>in</strong>dful that <strong>in</strong> the struggle to protectthe religious freedom, the rights <strong>of</strong> m<strong>in</strong>orities and to raise thevoice aga<strong>in</strong>st the blasphemy law, I can be assass<strong>in</strong>ated. But Iwill cont<strong>in</strong>ue to follow that pr<strong>in</strong>ciple that I believe. I willcont<strong>in</strong>ue to raise the voice <strong>of</strong> the voiceless.” Shahbaz Bhatti’svoice is gone. Let us honor his memory and lend our voices<strong>in</strong>stead to support religious freedom around the world.What can you do to ensure the protection <strong>of</strong> religious freedom at home and abroad?The U.S. Bishops have called for a <strong><strong>For</strong>tnight</strong> for <strong>Freedom</strong> from June 21 to July 4. Pleasevisit www.fortnight4freedom.org for more <strong>in</strong>formation on this important time <strong>of</strong> prayer,education, and action <strong>in</strong> support <strong>of</strong> religious liberty!
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