Written by Don Byrd
[UPDATE: In remarks at the White House today, both President Obama and Pope Francis mentioned the importance of religious freedom. Here are those excerpts from the White House transcript:
President Obama
You remind us that people are only truly free when they can practice their faith freely. (Applause.) Here in the United States, we cherish religious liberty. It was the basis for so much of what brought us together. And here in the United States, we cherish our religious liberty, but around the world, at this very moment, children of God, including Christians, are targeted and even killed because of their faith. Believers are prevented from gathering at their places of worship. The faithful are imprisoned, and churches are destroyed. So we stand with you in defense of religious freedom and interfaith dialogue, knowing that people everywhere must be able to live out their faith free from fear and free from intimidation.
Pope Francis
Mr. President, together with their fellow citizens, American Catholics are committed to building a society which is truly tolerant and inclusive, to safeguarding the rights of individuals and communities, and to rejecting every form of unjust discrimination. With countless other people of good will, they are likewise concerned that efforts to build a just and wisely ordered society respect their deepest concerns and their right to religious liberty. That freedom remains one of America’s most precious possessions. And, as my brothers, the United States Bishops, have reminded us, all are called to be vigilant, precisely as good citizens, to preserve and defend that freedom from everything that would threaten or compromise it.]
Religion news is front and center in the mainstream media this week with Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States. The Washington Post site offers this schedule of his events during his 6-day trip.
The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty has released a podcast featuring Holly Hollman discussing the story. Check it out here. As Hollman says, the Pope’s remarks will be worth following for any mentions of religious liberty.
Ambassador at Large for Religious Freedom Rabbi David Saperstein said it well in a tweet yesterday: “We welcome Pope Francis and the Vatican’s emphasis on the fundamental right to religious freedom and respect for religion worldwide.”
Pope Francis has proven a remarkable ability to impact the global conversation on topics important to people of faith. Return to this blog or follow on Twitter (@BJCblog) for coverage of any remarks he may make on the issue of freedom of religion.
