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United Nations

Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948:

Article 18.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.





Europe

The European Convention on Human Rights, 1950:

Article 9.
1. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance.

2. Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.





Second Vatican Council

Declaration on Religious Freedom, 1965:

This Vatican Council declares that the human person has a right to religious freedom. This freedom means that all men are to be immune from coercion on the part of individuals or of social groups and of any human power, in such ways that no one is to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his own beliefs ...

The Council further declares that the right to religious freedom has its foundation in the very dignity of the human person, as this dignity is known through the revealed Word of God and by reason itself. This right of the human person to religious freedom is to be recognized in the constitutional law whereby society is governed, and thus it is to become a civil right.





United States

White House Statement on Establishment of Special Advisory Committee on Religious Freedom Abroad, 1996:

The president today welcomed the formation of a Special Advisory Committee to the Secretary of State on Religious Freedom Abroad. This advisory committee, established by Secretary of State Christopher and chaired by Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human rights, and Labor John Shattuck, will call attention to problems of religious persecution abroad. It is also expected to provide advice on how to bring about reconciliation in those areas where religious enmity is a threat to peace.

The administration has embarked on this initiative because of its commitment to helping people of all faiths live free of the threat of persecution. As a nation founded by men and women who sought refuge from religious persecution, our country continues to serve as a model for the world of freedom of belief and harmonious relations among different faiths.

Because of this heritage the United States has led the way in championing religious rights around the world. Close to fifty years ago, under the leadership of Eleanor Roosevelt, the United States delegation to the United Nations saw to it that the Òright to freedom of thought, conscience, and religionÓ was written into the universal Declaration of Human Rights. Yet today, in many places around the world this right is not honored. Religious persecution is suffered by many religious groups who are singled out for punishment or discrimination because of their religion.

The establishment of the advisory committee which is composed of representatives of the largest American religious groups, together with academic leaders and members of religious groups that have suffered persecution abroad, carries forward the commitment of the United States to advance religious freedom, help those suffering under repression, support the forces of tolerance and advance reconciliation among the many communities of faith.






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Religious Freedom Restoration
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