Social Duty and Religious Freedom
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Seeking Truth (2104)
The person must seek the truth concerning God and the Church. This search does not contradict a "sincere respect" for various religions nor the need to have love for all who are in error concerning faith.
Offering Genuine Worship (2105)
Man must offer genuine worship both individually and socially. Evangelized by the Church, believers must infuse society with Christian laws and structures. Christians must awaken everyone to the true religion which subsists in the Catholic Church. By being the light of the world, Christians manifest Christ's kingship over human societies (Pope Leo XIII).
Engaging Religious Freedom (2106-2107)
Nobody can be forced to act against his conscience nor be restrained from acting according to his conscience (within due limits). This right is based upon the person's duty to assent freely to divine truth. This right exists even in those who do not seek the truth or adhere to it.
Even if a constitution grants special civil recognition to one religion, all citizens must enjoy religious freedom.
Limits to Liberty (2108-2109)
Religious liberty is neither a moral license to err nor a right to error. It is a civil liberty granted to every human person who must have immunity, within just limits, from external coercion. This natural right must be acknowledged in civil law.
This right to religious liberty is not unlimited. "Due limits" are determined by political prudence required for the common good according to just legal principles.
Five riveting true stories by people who have experienced supernatural Warnings. order »
Join the movement! Pray 12 minutes a day to help God save America. order »
Find friends in the world's largest directory of Catholic young adult groups. Learn More »
Our supporters have distributed tens of millions of life-changing Catholic gifts since 1991, making us America's largest producer of high-quality, super-affordable tools for evangelization. Join our work today!
See All Our Catholic Materials
Meet Bud Macfarlane, Our Founder
