Mobilize to defend religious freedom, Pope tells Knights of Columbus

August 05, 2015

In a message to the Knights of Columbus, who are holding their 133rd annual convention, Pope Francis called for a “mobilization of consciences” to defend religious freedom in the US.

“Today, when the institution of marriage is under attack from powerful cultural forces, the faithful are called to bear witness to this basic truth of biblical faith and natural law, which is essential to the wise and just ordering of society,” the Pope said. He underlined the importance of religious freedom—“understood not simply as the liberty to worship as one chooses, but also, for individuals and institutions, to speak and act in accordance with the dictates of their conscience.”

When that right is endangered “whether by invasive public policies, or by the growing influence of a culture which sets alleged personal rights above the common good,” the faithful should rally to protect their rights, the Pope concluded.

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis highlights religious freedom and marriage in message to K of C (Vatican Radio)