11/06/2020
The world is a fragile place. Unfortunately, a global pandemic continues to threaten our health and social cohesion. Economies falter and unemployment rises. The racial harmony we seek breaks down. Unrest in our streets spreads fear and uncertainty. In some instances, people do not have the courage to speak their minds for fear of being canceled. Consequently, people are trusting less and less in their leaders and fellow citizens.
On the surface, we seem to be losing our way. But wherever you go, carefully stop and look. Glimpse beyond the fear and isolation that have become part of our lives. What do you see? The dignity of human action is all around us. Suffering is a common experience of humankind, but in times of crisis, ordinary people become extraordinary.
Dignity is the principle upon which human rights stand. Societies flourish when both law and culture recognize, respect, and protect the value of each person. But we often take human rights for granted, as if they have always been around and always will be around. These rights speak for themselves but cannot defend themselves. That is our task. We believe our rights come from God, but the care of those rights is up to us.
It is significant to observe that countries with more religious freedom have more peace. Our small actions each day add up to build social trust, strengthen friendship among society, and ensure that we defend each other’s religious freedom.
