Richard A. Sokerka
In the wake of Pope Francis’ historic visit, the U.S. bishops are urging lawmakers to act quickly to pass a bill that would reauthorize the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, whose mandate expired Sept. 30. The religious freedom commission dates back to 1998. It monitors the state of religious liberty and freedom of thought, conscience, or belief as defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements. The commission makes independent policy recommendations to the president, the Secretary of State, and Congress. In December 2014, Congress passed a nine-month extension reauthorizing the commission, which then expired Sept. 30.
“Protecting religious freedom is critical to the health of societies,” said Bishop Oscar Cantú of Las Cruces, N.M., chairman of the U.S. bishops’ international justice and peace commission. Over the years, the U.S. bishops have been strong advocates for the protection of religious freedom worldwide.
During his visit to the U. S. last week, Pope Francis called religious freedom “one of America’s most precious possessions” during his address at the White House. While in Philadelphia later in the week, the Holy Father called on Americans to defend religious freedom, “for it has been given to you by God himself.” Pope Francis also spoke outside Independence Hall, summoning all to embrace our first freedom. “Religious liberty, by its nature,” he said, “transcends places of worship and the private sphere of individuals and families.”
A four-year extension through the Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2015, Bill S.2078, was passed unanimously in the Senate. Now the bill goes to a vote in the House of Representatives. It is urgent that Catholics contact their elected representatives to see that it is passed.