WCC Public Policy Positions: Protect Religious Freedom and Conscience
In the upcoming editions of the Capitol Update, we will be elaborating on each of the WCC's 2023 Public Policy Positions. The complete document can be found below.
Protect religious freedom and conscience. The right to religious freedom and conscience is grounded in the very dignity of the human person. No one should be forced to act in a manner contrary to his or her own conscience or beliefs, whether privately or publicly, whether alone or in association with others, within due limits. Wisconsin must guard this civil right by protecting the religious and conscience rights of individuals, employers, and employees, allowing private organizations to live out their religious beliefs, and allowing for reasonable collaboration between public and religious entities.
The ability to act according to one’s religious beliefs and conscience is central to human flourishing. In the words of Pope Francis, “Religious freedom is not only that of private thought or worship. It is the liberty to live, both privately and publicly, according to the ethical principles resulting from the truth.”
Individuals and groups must be able to profess their faith and beliefs without fear of persecution. Additionally, an individual has a right to order his or her life in accord with religious truths without undue coercion from any human agent, especially government, and to do so in community with others.
While religious freedom is a broad right, it does have limits. As Pope Francis notes, these practices must be lived in accordance with ethical principles resulting from the truth. Thus, religious freedom does not provide any license to commit violence or coerce others in the name of religion.
Nor can any religion seek to establish a monopoly over others through law. The United States is a pluralistic society in which individuals and groups practice a wide variety of faiths. We must cultivate a society where individuals and groups can believe and practice their faith openly and collaborate whenever possible for the sake of the common good.
|