Archdiocese of St. Louis’ Post

As we begin #ReligiousFreedomWeek, Newman Ministry reminds you of the importance of our faith in today's world. Religious freedom allows the Church and all religious communities to live out their faith in public and serve the good of all. Beginning today, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops invites Catholics to pray, reflect, and act to promote religious freedom. Learn more about Religious Freedom Week and the daily reflection topics at https://lnkd.in/eXhY6PRZ. #Catholic #Catholicism

Having discussions about religious freedom is key to changing the negative narratives that are bedeviling us as a country. Although I couldn't stay through to the film screening, the panel discussion was super insightful as the panelists looked at diverse ways through which religious freedom can be attained through: - Grassroot awareness - Creating environments where people of different religions can interact and learn about each others faith - Educating our children on the importance of religious freedom - Using media responsibly to support religious freedom. If you're interested in taking a free course to learn more about religious freedom, register here 👇🏽 https://lnkd.in/g57Rusa4 #LWYB #ReligiousFreedom #PPBlessing

Today is Religious Freedom Day, marking the date in 1786 that the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was passed. It articulated the concept of faith freedom for all, and the principle was enshrined a few years later in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. As this day marks that landmark legislation, we must remember that not all citizens nor all people enjoyed the rights and privileges of religious freedom in 1786. Baptists believe that we are inherently free to choose whether to worship God and follow Christ without efforts by the government to advance or restrain religion. This historic commitment to religious liberty for all people can be traced back to 17th-century England and Colonial America, where Baptist leaders called for complete religious freedom. Baptists declared that the government was powerless to control conscience and was incompetent to dictate spiritual matters. Learn more about what religious liberty is from one of BJC’s most-used resources: https://lnkd.in/eCSWzFe 

We are educating people just like you on their religious liberty rights, creating communities of like-minded people who want to stand up and make a difference, and changing the societal norm by covering cases that will have an impact among generations. This growing movement is called The Future of Faith and Freedom. F3 will help educate and equip Americans in their 20’s-40’s to know, assert, and live out their religious freedoms. Our goal is to get the word out that you are FREE to express faith without fear of consequences, that you can EXPAND faith in your community and that you can help SECURE the future of religious freedom in America for generations to come. Go to FirstLiberty.org/F3 to learn more and get involved.

3 Myths / 3 Facts - about Religious Freedom Most Americans know that Religious Freedom is critical in our country but in our current culture, that understanding is waning. We are especially seeing this in our courts today. Where you aware of the different religions our country's Religious Freedoms protects? Including Atheists, Buddhists, Muslims, Christians and more? Were you aware that it's society protections? Would you like a refresher? Check out these 3 Myths that are clarified by Alliance Defending Freedom in their quick to read Religious Freedom guide. These are great reminders of the broadness of this very important constitutional right to all Amercian citizens. #legal #religiousfreedom #constitution #faith #americans

At Pyramid Consulting, Inc, we are committed to being Intentionally Inclusive by providing all people equal access to opportunity through intentional DE&I programs, initiatives, and partnerships. In 2022, we launched a formal program that celebrates and elevates the diversity of our workforce - Belong:IN, the staffing industry's first ERG program for consultants.     Today on National Religious Freedom Day, we commemorate the passing of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in 1786, which was one of the most important early milestones for religious liberty in America. As we reflect on the vital role religious freedom played in the founding of our nation, we're reminded that the ability to worship according to one's conscience is a fundamental human right. This Religious Freedom Day, may we recommit ourselves to defending religious liberty, not just for our own beliefs but for people of all faiths. Our diversity of beliefs is what makes our communities vibrant. By promoting mutual understanding and protection of religious freedom for all, we build a more just, peaceful and inclusive society.    At Pyramid Consulting, you Belong:IN!     #IntentionallyInclusive #diversityequityandinclusion #1stAmendment #RespectAllFaiths #ReligiousFreedom 

After ban on Ukraine's Orthodox Church, widespread discontent among believers, West silent on religious freedom issue https://lnkd.in/dMu2Am5Y #UkraineOrthodoxChurchBan, #ReligiousFreedom, #BelieversDiscontent, #UkraineCrisis, #ReligiousRights, #OrthodoxChurch, #ReligiousPersecution, #WestSilent, #ChurchBanControversy, #UkraineConflict, #HumanRights, #FreedomOfReligion

The First Amendment indeed serves a dual purpose: it protects both the Church (religious institutions) and individuals from government interference in matters of worship and expression of beliefs. This constitutional provision establishes a critical separation between church and state, preventing the government from favoring or hindering any particular religion (only religions rooted in God are protected). Satanic worship is not protected as a religious practice in America! Thus it’s a special interest group with limited rights to free speech only. No other “group” is protected in the Constitution! Groups aren’t created by God so don’t have a God given right! In essence, it upholds the principle of religious freedom by safeguarding the rights of both religious organizations, including the Church, and individuals to practice their faith without undue influence or interference from the government. This fundamental protection contributes to the pluralistic and diverse nature of American society. Just your average paralegal holding lawyers accountable for their duty as GATE KEEPERS of Rights!

In my latest post for America's Future, I explore what religious liberty looks like at its best and the terrible implications of the lack of freedom of faith. https://lnkd.in/dYtQpwsD

Consider this. On February 5, 2024, the local ordinary in Beijing, Archbishop Joseph Li Shan, attended and spoke at a meeting of Chinese religious leaders organized by the United Front Work Department and chaired by Wang Huning, Chairman of the CPPCC. The meeting discussed goals for Chinese religious organizations, including the implementation of the Five Identifications within the organizations. It is imperative for USG officials to be mindful of such things to avoid setting themselves up to appear to either be affirming or turning a blind eye to the CCP controls on the Catholic church and the Sinicization underway. There are any number of ways USG officials who are people of faith to keep their worship obligations and not be used as a tool for propaganda. 新東方政策 (“Ostpolitik” in Mandarin) was a failure and is failing again.