Wamp Recognizes Religious Freedom Day
January 15, 2008

Rep. Zach Wamp made this statement about Religious Freedom Day, which is Wednesday:

"Experts warn us that because religious freedom has been in such decline around the world over the last 15 years that an 'Armageddon-type event' could happen as a result of intolerance and religious division. The pluralistic approach that we have in America is the only way to stem the radicalism we see today.

Promoting religious liberty is an essential element in our effort to combat the religious intolerance around the world that leads to terrorism and attacks on the western way of life. Our religious freedom gives Americans the right to freely practice our beliefs. Many people around the globe are not blessed with this privilege. We must continue to advance religious freedom and work against persecution worldwide until all nations have this universal human right.

Religious Freedom Day is when our country commemorates the passage of the 1786 Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. It is also a time to remember the protection of religious freedom that our Founding Fathers included in the First Amendment, which is often referred to as the 'first freedom.'

As you express your personal faith on Religious Freedom Day, it is a fitting time to reflect on the religious freedoms that we are granted in America and the ability to worship as we choose. Religious freedom is precious and must be held up as universal or the future of the world is truly at stake."