This week we celebrated religious freedom week in the US Catholic Church, which is appropriate right before we celebrate our nation’s independence day. Some of the topics that the USCCB brought up are perhaps topics that we do not think much about in conjunction with religious freedom:
1. Freedom to serve in health care - Catholic organizations such as the Little Sisters of the Poor have been sued by state governments to force them to perform medical procedures that they opposed on moral grounds.
2. Respect for houses of worships - churches and other houses of worship have been targets of desecration and violence, especially in the recent protests and civil unrest.
3. Religious minorities in China and other parts of the world have not been allowed to practice their faith.
4. Adoption and foster care services provided by religious organization are under attack because of their religious convictions, even though there is a great need for these services.
5. Catholic services are sometimes criticized for what they teach about our faith.
6. Armed rebels in places like the Central African Republic and Nigeria have targeted Christians and members of other religions because of their faith.
7. National and local conversations about important issues in our society need to be more civilized due to the attacks and harsh language that too often drive these conversations.
It is importance for us to be aware of all the different aspects of our religious freedom. Blessings to all of you this week.
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