Religious freedom safeguards religion, allowing us to flourish as one of the most religious countries on Earth, but it also strengthens our Nation as a whole. Brave men and women of faith have challenged our conscience and brought us closer to our founding ideals, from the abolition of slavery to the expansion of civil rights and workers' rights. And throughout our history, faith communities have helped uphold these values by joining in efforts to help those in need -- rallying in the face of tragedy and providing care or shelter in times of disaster.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Presidential Proclamation Recognizing Religious Freedom Day
President Obama yesterday issued a Proclamation designating January 16, 2017 as Religious Freedom Day. The date is the 231st anniversary of the passage of the Virginia Statute for Establishing Religious Freedom in 1786. The President's Proclamation reads in part:
