Religious Freedom

Like the United States, the Holy See believes that freedom is the non-negotiable demand of human dignity and the birthright of every person in every civilization. In placing freedom at the center of the Holy See’s international policy at the outset of his pontificate, Pope John Paul II has contributed to advances of freedom in Europe (fall of communism), Asia (triumph of people power in the Philippines), and Latin America (decline of Marxist revolutions). In the face of continued threats to freedom and many challenges ahead from repressive governments, the Holy See remains actively engaged in defense of liberty, human rights, religious freedom, and tolerance. Embassy Vatican is therefore seeking to deepen and expand our engagement with the Holy See to advance U.S. National Security Goals by speaking out about human dignity, promoting freedom of religion, and encouraging inter-religious dialogue.

U.S. Calls for Restraint, Reason in Wake of Cartoon Controversy, February 6, 2006

[…] Fried, the assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs, opened the session by expressing “solidarity with and sympathy for the governments and people of Denmark and Norway in the face of the outrages committed over the weekend in Damascus and Beirut.” He also noted that there was an attack on the Austrian Embassy in Tehran, Iran.

United States Condemns Embassy Burnings in Syria, February 4, 2006

[…] We urge all governments to take measures now to lower tensions and prevent violence, including against any diplomatic premises and against businesses and individuals. We stand with our friends and allies in urging a constructive and peaceful dialogue emphasizing respect for all religious faiths. We commend Danish Prime Minister Rasmussen's responsible statements in recent days urging tolerance and respect for all faiths and for freedom of the press.

Religious leaders attend interfaith ceremony and bestow blessing on new Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton.

Religious Freedom Day Marks American Tradition of Good Will, January 21, 2006

[…] Americans are a religious people. A solid majority pray every day and nearly half attend religious services at least weekly but, consistent with principles established even before the United States secured its independence, they typically view faith as a freedom reserved to individuals, regardless of their particular beliefs, and one protected from government interference.

Bush Proclaims January 16 Religious Freedom Day, January 13, 2006

[…] Our Founding Fathers knew the importance of freedom of religion to a stable democracy, and our Constitution protects individuals' rights to worship as they choose. We reject religious discrimination in every form, and we continue our efforts to oppose prejudice and to counter any infringements on religious freedom.

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Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Records 2006

Global Crackdown on Nongovernmental Agencies a Major U.S. Concern, April 5, 2007

[…] The report documents the various tools applied by the United States to support indigenous democratic reform efforts across the globe. U.S. support is focused on the “core components” of a working democracy and the ability of human rights to be protected. These core components are free and fair elections, transparent and accountable institutions operating under the rule of law, and a robust civil society and independent media.

2008 AIDS Relief Budget Request Tops Original Commitment, March 8, 2007

[…] “By working with host nations to build quality health care networks and increase capacity,” U.S. global AIDS coordinator Ambassador Mark Dybul testified March 1 before the House Committee on Appropriations subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, “we are laying the foundation for nations and communities to sustain their efforts against HIV/AIDS and other diseases long after the initial five years of the Emergency Plan.”

Secretary Rice speaks during the release of the 2006 Country Reports on Human Rights Rractices in Washington. (© AP Images)

State Department Releases 2006 Reports on Human Rights Practices, March 6, 2007

[…] With the release of this year's reports, Americans are "recommitting ourselves to stand with those courageous men and women who struggle for their freedom and their rights," Rice said. "And we are recommitting ourselves to call every government to account that still treats the basic rights of its citizens as options rather than, in President Bush's words, the non-negotiable demands of human dignity."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer Mary Armbrust helps Pablo Guzman and his family through customs in Atlanta. (© AP Images)

Visitors to U.S. Have New Way To Report Entry, Exit Problems, February 22, 2007

[…] Travelers to the United States who experience difficulties during airport and train station screenings or at border crossings now can make inquiries or seek resolution at an easy-to-use Internet site.
The Department of Homeland Security launched its new Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) February 21 as part of its continuing effort in conjunction with the State Department to balance security needs with the needs of the traveling public.

	— Internet Resources —

Democracy and Human Rights
(State Department IIP webpage)

State Department Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor - International Religious Freedom webpage

U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

The Center for Religious Freedom