Religious Liberty; Rooted In Dignity Of The Human Person

If anyone has the opportunity, we recommend a visit to Wyoming. It is a beautiful place led by a wonderfully pastoral Bishop. Here is a link to his homily on religious liberty. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

http://bishopsblog.dioceseofcheyenne.org/2013/06/24/religious-liberty-rooted-in-dignity-of-the-human-person/

Religious Liberty; Rooted In Dignity Of The Human Person

June 24th, 2013 | Author: Bishop Paul D. Etienne

Other passages speak of the work of God forming each of us in the womb.  “You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb.  I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works!”  (Psalm 139: 13-14)  Also, the Prophet Isaiah: “The Lord called me from birth, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.”  (Is 49:1)

These Scripture passages teach us that each human person is intimately known by God, who calls us into being.  This fundamental understanding of the origins of every human person speaks to the importance of religious freedom.  This is not just a freedom bestowed upon us by others. 

Religious freedom is a part of our DNA.  We are created by God, for relationship with God and the entire human journey is destined to return to God.  The dignity of every human person is rooted in this Divine Origin of all human life. 

This relationship with God is carried on in the intimate realm of human conscience, and is given visible expression in many ways, not the least of which is worship.  But worship is not the limitation of religious freedom.  One’s relationship with God gives expression to love and service of others.  It is guided by moral light that dictates “Do this. Do not do that.”