As the acting chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee for Religious Liberty, Catholic Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami recently reflected on the importance of Religious Freedom Week 2020, which was celebrated from June 22 to June 29. 

The theme this year was “For the Good of the All,” meant to include those who are individually practicing religion as well as protecting the institutions that serve as home for the faithful. The first day, June 22, was the Feast of Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More, and the week concluded on June 29 with the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul.

Religious freedom has been a global point of tension for centuries. While one of the principle values of the United States is the freedom of religion, people from all walks of life around the world have faced persecution, discrimination, hatred and violence when looking to practice their chosen religion.

Archbishop Wenski | https://www.miamiarch.org/

“The right to religious freedom has its foundation in the very dignity of the human person,” Wenski was quoted as saying on the USCCB website. “Religious freedom is the human right that guarantees all other rights — peace and creative living together will only be possible if freedom of religion is fully respected.”

In the multitude of human rights concerns that our world currently faces, sometimes religious freedom is overlooked. While it does get attention, something that is at the forefront of the lives of so many may be taken for granted.

Catholic Christianity, in particular, has faced scrutiny from the media, and Religious Freedom Week provides a foundation for the faithful to feel at peace when practicing their religion.