The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, The Catholic University of America, and Catholic Relief Services are co-sponsoring International Religious Freedom:  An Imperative for Peace and the Common Good, a conference on international religious freedom September 12 at Catholic University in Washington to highlight the humanitarian effects of violations of religious liberty.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, President of the USCCB, will give the opening address. The gathering will explore key questions, including:

•   What can the Church do to defend international religious freedom?

•   What is the role of U.S. foreign policy in promoting religious freedom abroad?

Invitees include bishops, public officials, academics, policy analysts and others. The goal is to raise the profile of international religious freedom in public discourse, especially for vulnerable Christian communities, and to strengthen our capacity to address this critical issue.

In his Message for the 2011World Day of Peace, Pope Benedict XVI noted that the absence of religious freedom “is a threat to security and peace, and an obstacle to the achievement of authentic and integral human development.”  Our hope is that this conference will advance consideration of this profound concern.

Catholic Relief Services agrees with and supports the position of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on the  “preventive services” regulation issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Read our position on the mandate and the modifications offered by the Administration.