‘Take action’ to promote religious freedom, say US bishops

The US bishops are urging Catholics to “pray, reflect and take action” on religious liberty in the United States and abroad during Religious Freedom Week, which runs from June 22-29.

The first day of the observance is the feast of Ss Thomas More and John Fisher, both martyred for their Catholic faith.

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has prepared materials – in Spanish and English – about current issues and challenges to religious freedom that are available here. Each day of the week highlights a different issue, and the materials include related lectionary notes, promotional bulletin inserts, and graphics and social media downloads.

Essential

“What’s really essential is to be able to make decisions that are consistent with our beliefs,” said Jeff F. Caruso, founding director of the Virginia Catholic Conference in Richmond, which tracks current state legislation and spearheads advocacy efforts.

“Engaging in the public square is an integral part of our life in Christ and our baptismal responsibility,” he told the Arlington Catholic Herald, newspaper of the Diocese of Arlington.

Catholics are “called to make a difference for the common good,” he said. “Whether it involves health plans or adoption and foster care, our beliefs and our services go together – they’re animated by the same faith. What we’re talking about is the freedom to serve consistent with our beliefs.”