Religious Freedom
After the meeting
Therefore, what?
Step 1:
Talk to your children
Younger Children
1. Be an example. Teach children to be loving and tolerant to others through your example. Grant others the right and the respect to live their religion.
2. Teach them. Help them understand the principles of your faith or values so they can stand strong in their own beliefs.
3. Stand for truth. Make sure your children understand their rights. Engage with their school to make sure that teachers also understand and allow for freedom of religion in the classroom.
4. Build bridges. The best way to understand others is to learn about them and interact with them. Building friendships with those of other faiths will help children see that although we may have different values, there are many ways that we are similar. ?
Older Teens and Young Adults
1. Teach them. Help them have a solid understanding of the principles of your religion or values so they can be sure of their own beliefs and be prepared to share with others.
2. Encourage friendships. Friends are important to teens. Encourage them to be friends with those who may be different and still have values you appreciate.
3. Include others. Have friendships of your own that can help older children and teens see how to handle the differences they may have with others in a respectful manner.
4. Introduce them to other cultures. Another way to build tolerance is to experience other cultures. Learning to appreciate others’ way of life can build understanding and compassion.
4. Talk about it. Discuss current events around religious freedom and how they feel about it. Help them process both sides of the issue as they will have difficulty seeing other perspectives.
Step 2:
Talk to family members and friends
America's Strength
“Freedom of religion has made America strong.” Do you agree, or disagree. Why?
Their Beliefs and Values
What are your beliefs about religion? What values are important to you? (Respect and appreciate their personal view.)
Current Events
What laws, policies, or current events are you concerned about? What does this current event mean to you? (This can be a hot topic for some, so find those who would be open and willing to listen to a different perspective.)
Further Conversation Starters
For additional thoughts regarding questions, refer to “Questions to Guide the Group Discussion.”
Step 3:
Engage the Broader Community
Stay Informed
Be aware of current events though websites such as Worldfamilynews.com.
Be Aware
Learn about laws that are being voted on and how this will impact you and your religious community.
Watch for Trojan Horses
Be cautious about proposed laws that claim to be “fair to all” and are actually a Trojan horse for undermining individual religious freedoms. Beware of proposed legislation including terms such as Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity (SOGI). Stand against bills that do not also allow exemptions for individual religious rights and protect women and children in private spaces and in sports.
Track Politicians and Vote
Follow the different party platforms and study their goals and plans relating to Religious Freedom. Then monitor whether politicians are doing what they say. Comparison of Party Platforms 2020, Democrat Platform, Republican Platform
Speak up on Social Media
Bravely share the truth on issues that impact religious freedom with others in a kind and respectful way. Check out our Social Media Helps.
Support Worthwhile Petitions
Take a stand for religious freedom through petitions.
Be Tolerant
Be accepting of other faiths by giving them the respect to practice their beliefs, which does not mean compromising your own.
Talking Points-Religious Freedom
“Religious freedom is positively associated with almost all of the pillars of global competitiveness in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index suggesting that religious liberty is a prerequisite, or at least a complementary factor, for other forms of economic development and economic freedom.”
The freedom to live according to one’s beliefs is the cornerstone of a thriving and prosperous society in the face of differences.
“Religious freedom contributes to better economic and business outcomes and… advances in religious freedom are in the self-interest of businesses, governments, and societies by contributing to successful and sustainable enterprises that benefit societies and individuals.”
Religious cultures living among other religious cultures, in tolerance, create peace and stability for communities.
The United States Constitution, and the legal foundation of any rightly ordered political community, carries a presumption in favor of religious freedom, and the government must bear the burden of justifying why it is compromising religious freedom.
Governments need accountability and transparency when taking action against citizens, and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) fosters this. It calls on the US government to respect the religious beliefs and practices of citizens.
The United States has a unique heritage of each person’s right to worship or not worship according to their own conscience and belief – via the Bill of Rights.
“A government that demands one group choose obedience to the state over obedience to faith and conscience can force any group to submit to the state’s demands. Religious freedom protects everyone.”
“Conscience is the most sacred of all property.” James Madison
“There are economically and statistically strong positive associations between religious liberty and civil liberties, women empowerment, access to justice, and freedom of expression.”
Religious freedom supports and protects all of society.
Social Media Resources
Help Spread the Word
Seek clarity, rather than agreement
One way to diffuse a potentially contentious conversation is to apply this adage: “Seek clarity rather than agreement.” It’s actually quite liberating! You don’t have to convince the other person of anything and they don’t have to convince you. You’re just having a conversation. Carefully explain your position and allow the other person to do the same. Ask questions. Listen intently.
The interesting thing is you often are more persuasive when the pressure is off. You’ve opened up space for paradigms to shift. If your position makes sense and you can support it with data, the other person is much more likely to open their mind – and their heart. Especially if your mind and heart is open too. Remember, you don’t have to agree on anything; you’re just having a conversation. Explore the issue together.
“Many can argue- not many converse.” A. Bronson Alcott