Sunday, June 29, 2014

Independence Day and our Religious Freedom



As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we thank God for this country. We thank all those people of faith, all the soldiers and all the conscientious citizens who served our land over the last two centuries. We remember that America was founded on the principle that all men are created equal and have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Catholics have come a long way in the political spectrum. As a matter of fact, we were not really accepted until the middle of the 20th century. Though our country believed in freedom of religion, Catholics had to endure much discrimination. Even in Maryland, named after the Mother of God and where most Catholics settled, discrimination occurred when non Catholics held political power. So, today politically we are in the mainstream. What, nevertheless, remains is the need to treat us fairly across the boards. This means that the entertainment and news media should not have a prejudice against us when it is rightfully considered taboo to do so against any other faith. We know that the Church, religious and practicing Catholics are often ridiculed or unfairly judged in films and other venues. This is a good reason to support The Catholic League for Civil Rights mentioned in another part of this bulletin. So, equality must include Catholics as well.

This is the time we should especially recall the right of freedom to practice religion which our forefathers so cherished. We must not be compelled to do something that is against our conscience.

May you have a beautiful and safe 4th.

Father Stanley





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