Religious Freedom & Conscience Protection
In Dignitatis Humanae, the Vatican Council Fathers explained that the foundation of the principle of religious freedom is rooted in the dignity of the human person, who is endowed with reason and free will, and therefore able to take responsibility for his or her actions. Religious freedom is identifiable both through reason and divine revelation; it exists to allow human persons to fulfill their obligation to seek God and must be a civil or constitutional right. The document explains that freedom to practice religion is not relativism – there is one way to salvation, through Jesus Christ.
Facts & Figures
Check out these one-page fact sheets for more information on threats to religious liberty at home and abroad:
The Right to Practice Faith in Daily Life | en Español
Why We Need a Health Care Conscience Rights Act | en Español
Marriage and Religious Freedom | en Español
Discrimination Against Catholic Adoption Services | en Español
Discrimination Against Catholic Humanitarian Services | en Español
Discrimination Against Christian Students on Campus | en Español
Discrimination Against Small Church Congregations | en Español
Providing Pastoral Care to Immigrants | en Español
Educational Materials on Church Teaching
Respect Life Programs
Truth Illuminated
Respect Life 101
Religious Freedom & Conscience Rights: Presentation / Facilitator Notes
Church Documents
USCCB: Conscience Protection
USCCB: Religious Liberty
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC): Respect for Human Life
Leadership & Volunteer Opportunities
If you or your organization has expertise or an interest in the topic of religious freedom and conscience protection, or if you would like to learn how you can assist in the life-saving work of the Respect Life Office by becoming a resource for information on the Church's teaching on religious freedom and conscience protection, please contact us.