National Religious Freedom Day
Each year, National Religious Freedom Day honors the day the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was signed on January 16, 1786. Each year, by Presidential Proclamation, the 16th of January 16th is declared Religious Freedom Day.
The First Amendment of the United States Consitution was based on Congressman Fisher Ames' establishment clause in Thomas Jefferson's historic law..
The First Freedom Center in Richmond, Virginia, honors this day by hosting an annual First Freedom Award banquet.
The legislation guarantees that one's faith will continue to freely practice one's faith without fear of being threatened, jailed, or killed. In addition, each individual may freely change their faith without retaliation under the statute. People from various faiths in the United States have equal rights to practice their faith in the United States.
Religious restrictions continue to rise around the world. According to Pew's survey, worldwide, legislation, attitudes, and policies have risen in the last decade. And those countries that are traditionally conservative are also increasing their limits. When looking at countries with the most equal, they also show a change in policies and attitudes toward religious liberty. Religious freedom is a worldwide threat, not just a national one.
How to celebrate #religiousfreedomday
Take a broader glance. While commemorating the United States' centennial, take a broader look. In the United States and around the world, learn more about religious liberty.
- On PBS, watch First Freedom on PBS
- Learn about other faiths
- Practice your own faith
- Participate in an interfaith festival such as the one on Share America..
- Learn about other faiths and their experiences in the United States
To post on social media, use #ReligiousFreedomDay..
The national religious freedom day is the history of the national religious freedom day
Every year since 1993, the President of the United States has declared January 16th National Religious Freedom Day.
