Freedom of Religion

From your provident hand we have received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You have called us as your people and given us the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God, and your Son, Jesus Christ. Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit, you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world, bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society.

We ask you to bless us in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty. Give us the strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened; give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.

Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father, a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters gathered in your Church in this decisive hour in the history of our nation, so that, with every trial withstood and every danger overcome—for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all who come after us—this great land will always be “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.



Printable Prayer Cards
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De tu mano bondadosa hemos recibido el derecho a la vida, a la libertad y a la búsqueda de la felicidad. Tú nos has hecho tu pueblo y nos has dado el derecho y el deber de venerarte a ti, único Dios verdadero, y a tu Hijo, Jesucristo. Por el poder y la obra del Espíritu Santo, nos llamas a vivir nuestra fe en el mundo llevando la luz y la palabra salvadora del Evangelio a todos los confines de la sociedad.

Te pedimos nos bendigas mientras cuidamos del don de la libertad religiosa.Danos fortaleza de mente y corazón para estar siempre dispuestos a defender nuestras libertades cuando son amenazadas. Danos valentía para que se escuchen nuestras voces en defensa de los derechos de tu Iglesia, y de la libertad de conciencia de todas las personas de fe.

Te pedimos, Oh Padre celestial, que en esta hora decisiva de la historia de nuestra nación, y reunidos en tu Iglesia, des a todos tus hijos e hijas una voz clara y unida para que con cada prueba que encaremos, y cada peligro que superemos, por el bien de nuestros hijos, de nuestros nietos, y de todos los que vengan después de nosotros este gran país sea siempre “una nación, bajo Dios, indivisible, con libertad y justicia para todos”.

Te lo pedimos por Jesucristo, Nuestro Señor.
Amén.

Printable Prayer Cards
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Religious Freedom

Text “Freedom” - defend your right to live your faith.

+More Information
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The U.S. Bishops outline their position concerning religious freedom, in the document, “Our First, Most Cherished Freedom.”

In the document the bishops write:

"What we ask is nothing more than that our God-given right to religious liberty be respected. We ask nothing less than that the Constitution and laws of the United States, which recognize the right, be respected.”

Read the complete document

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Relics of the Mexican Martyrs

At San Fernando Cathedral the Faithful Prayerfully venerated the relics of the six Knights of Columbus Priests who were martyred during the Mexican religious persecution in the early 20th century.

Learn More about the Martyrs.
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Watch Video of News Conference

The Participation of Catholics in Political Life

The Church recognizes that while democracy is the best expression of the direct participation of citizens in political choices, it succeeds only to the extent that it is based only on a correct understanding of the human person. Catholic involvement in political life cannot compromise on this principle, for otherwise the witness of Christian faith in the world, as well as the unity coherence of the faithful, would be nonexistent.

Click here to read the entire document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the faith.
11/2002

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller & Bishop Oscar Cantú
On Religious Freedom

“...People of all faiths should be truly alarmed that the defining right of this great land is being eroded.”

+ Read complete column by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller

The Threat to religious Freedom, a real and present danger.

...Our Constitution guarantees that we should not be forced to choose between faithful citizenship and being faithful to the Gospel."


“...Let us pray that this nation will always affirm its people rights and responsibilities."

+Read join letter to the people of the Archdiocese from Gustavo García-Siller and Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantú
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Foundational Church Documents on Religious Freedom

Dignitatus Humanae
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Redemptor Hominis
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The Church in the Modern World
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