Religious Freedom is a human right that is based on the principle of freedom of thought and belief. Although you cannot jail someone’s conscience or their soul- all around the world people are denied the freedom to practice their beliefs without fear of harm.

Freedom of religion is a basic human right that no government may lawfully deny; it is not a gift of the state, but instead is rooted in the inherent dignity of the human person. Religious expression (of all traditions) is a natural part of life in a free society, and religious arguments (on all sides of a question) are a normal and healthy element of public debate.  Religious people and institutions are entitled to participate in public life on an equal basis with everyone else, and should not be excluded for professing their faith.

Thus, Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) affirms, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights… [and] endowed with reason and conscience.” And Article 18 specifies that “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.” Other international treaties not only echo the same principles, but lend them the force of law.

Who Works on Religious Freedom Issues?

The Becket Fund advocates for religious freedom internationally in accordance with these principles.  Areas of special concern include laws prohibiting religious apparel and other forms of peaceful religious expression; laws that prohibit proselytizing or religious conversion; the persecution of “unregistered” religious groups; and the seizure or destruction of houses of worship.