Freedom of Religion

For John, BLUF:  Seems fundamental.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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US:  VP Pence Says Religious Freedom ‘Most Fundamental Freedom’

Here is the sub-headline:

Cites Case Nicaragua Government ‘Waging War’ on the Catholic Church

From Zenit, by Mr Jim Fair, 27 July 2018.

Here is the lede plus one:

“The right to believe or not believe is the most fundamental of freedoms,” said US Vice President Mike Pence on July 26, 2018.  “When religious liberty is denied or destroyed, we know that other freedoms — freedom of speech, of press, assembly, and even democratic institutions themselves — are imperiled.”

His remarks came in Washington on the final day of the first Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, sponsored by the US Secretary of State MikeZenit Pompeo.  The event ran July 24-26 and focused on concrete outcomes that reaffirm international commitments to promote religious freedom and produce real, positive change.  Participants included a broad range of stakeholders, including foreign ministers, international organization representatives, religious leaders, and civil society representatives, to discuss challenges, identify concrete ways to combat religious persecution and discrimination, and ensure greater respect for religious freedom for all.

US Ambassador to the Vatican, Ms Callisto Gingrich spoke on the issue here.

If I am not free to worship my God, or ignore God, of what value is freedom of speech?

Regards  —  Cliff