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To: Priests, deacons, religious brothers and sisters, principals and parish staff
From: Kat Doyle, Justice and Peace Director; Andy Lichtenwalner, Formation and Discipleship Director; Joey Martineck, Respect Life Director
In his encyclical, Fratelli tutti, Pope Francis says, “If society is to have a future, it must respect the truth of our human dignity and submit to that truth” (no. 207).
One of the truths related to our human dignity is the basic right of religious freedom. Religious freedom allows the Catholic Church – and all religious communities – to live out our faith in public and to serve the good of all. In various places around the world, religious freedom is threatened or under attack. In our country too, even with our legacy of religious freedom, we also see challenges to our ability to live our faith publicly.
June 22 to June 29 is Religious Freedom Week. It begins on the feast of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher. During this time, the bishops of the United States are inviting Catholics to pray, reflect and act to promote religious freedom. Please take advantage of the available resources from the USCCB to learn more and engage this important topic.
For resources and more information, visit the USCCB’s webpage: www.usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek.