RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

"RELIGIOUS FREEDOM PRESERVES AMERICA'S DIVERSITY"

Religious freedom is a fundamental human right that protects the conscience of all people. It allows us to think, express and act upon what we deeply believe publicly and peacefully. We insist upon the right of all people to embrace, pursue, and follow their faith as established on the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, were states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”, and also the Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

The gospel “is God's power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16) but God has given everyone the gift of volition, the gift of free choice (Genesis 1:26). God gave human beings the right to choose even if they make the wrong choice, therefore it is a right that we must give each other.

Religious freedom is more than the liberty to worship at a church building. Religious freedom means that people should not have to go against their core values and beliefs to conform to culture or government. Everyone benefits from religious freedom. It covers all people equally—Christians, Jews, Muslims, agnostics, and atheists. Religious freedom preserves America’s diversity, where people of different faiths, worldviews, and beliefs can peacefully live together without fear of punishment from the government.

NAHPA pledges itself to continue to ensure that these liberties continue to be protected by our government as specified in the word of God and established in our constitution.