Religion’s Role

In today’s Daily Article , Fr. Neuhaus offers us a fine reflection on the nature of religious freedom in America. By coincidence, Benedict XVI also reflects today on religious freedom (in France) as he begins his pilgrimage to Paris and Lourdes:

Describing himself as a “sower of charity and hope,” the pope quickly zeroed in on a perennial and crucial issue in France: the proper role of the church in a secular society.

On one hand, he said, it was right to “insist on the distinction between the political realm and that of religion in order to preserve both the religious freedom of citizens and the responsibility of the state toward them.”

At the same time, he said, society must become more aware of “the irreplaceable role of religion” in forming consciences and instilling values . . . .

He cited the long list of contributions made by French Catholic communities and said the French people should know that their country is “often at the heart of the pope’s prayers.”

In church-state relations, he said, past suspicions have been transformed into “a serene and positive dialogue.”

In making the point that “the roots of France—like those of Europe—are Christian,” he cited Sarkozy’s own statement to that effect last year.

At the moment, the full text of the Pope’s address is only available in French , but I look forward to reading a translated version when it’s available.