For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 16, 2002
President Proclaims Religious Freedom Day, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Religious freedom is a cornerstone of our Republic, a core
principle of our Constitution, and a fundamental human
right. Many of those who first settled in America, such as
Pilgrims, came for the freedom of worship and belief that this new land
promised. And when the British Colonies became the United
States, our Founders constitutionally limited our Federal Government's
capacity to interfere with religious belief by prohibiting the Congress
from passing any law "respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof." These constitutional
limits have allowed the flourishing of faith across our country, which
greatly blesses our land.
George Washington forcefully expressed our collective
constitutional promise to protect the rights of people of all faiths,
in a historic letter he wrote to the Jewish community at Touro
Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island: "the Government of the
United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no
assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection
should demean themselves as good citizens...." Today, our cities are
home to synagogues, churches, temples, mosques, and other houses of
worship that peacefully welcome Americans of every belief. Preserving
religious freedom has helped America avoid the wars of religion that
have plagued so many cultures throughout history, with deadly
consequences.
Today, as America wages war against terror, our resolve to defend
religious freedom remains as strong as ever. Many miles from
home, American service men and women have risked their lives in our
efforts to drive the Taliban regime from power, ending an era of brutal
oppression, including religious oppression. At home,
Americans demonstrated the vitality of our religious freedom in the
enormous outreach by faith communities to help those harmed by the
terrorist attacks. In quiet prayers offered to God in
churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques and in the helping hands of
faith-based groups, Americans have shown a deep love for others and
genuine spiritual unity that will sustain us through the difficult days
of recovery.
Religious Freedom Day provides us an opportunity to celebrate
America's commitment to protect the freedom of religion. On
this special day, I encourage all Americans to renew their commitment
to protecting the liberties that make our country a beacon of hope for
people around the world who seek the free exercise of religious beliefs
and other freedoms.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 16, 2002, as
Religious Freedom Day. I urge all Americans to observe this
day by asking for the blessing and protection of Almighty God for our Nation, and to
engage in appropriate ceremonies and activities in their homes,
schools, and places of worship as a sign of our resolve to protect and
preserve our religious freedom.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day
of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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