Does the human person have an inherent natural right to freely choose, express, and propagate whatever religion he chooses, free from all government interference in religious matters?
The Catholic Church affirms that the human person possesses an inherent natural right to freely choose, express, and propagate their religion, free from government interference, within the bounds of public order and the common good.
Inherent Dignity and Rights: The dignity of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God, underpins the right to religious freedom. This right is recognized as an inalienable requirement of human dignity, which must be respected and protected by civil authorities.
Freedom of Conscience: Every individual has the moral duty to seek the truth, especially regarding God and His Church. Once the truth is known, individuals have the right and duty to embrace it and worship God authentically. This includes the freedom to act according to one's conscience in religious matters, both privately and publicly.
Role of Government: Governments have a duty to create an environment that respects and protects the religious freedom of their citizens. This includes not only the freedom to worship but also the ability to live according to one's beliefs and to organize religious practices. The Church teaches that the obligation to respect religious freedom falls on everyone, including civil authorities.
Public and Private Expression: The Church emphasizes that religious freedom cannot be confined to the private sphere. It encompasses the right to practice one's religion individually and collectively, as well as the freedom of the Church to operate in society.
Limits of Freedom: While the right to religious freedom is fundamental, it is also subject to the just limits of public order. This means that while individuals can express and propagate their beliefs, this must be done in a manner that does not threaten the security and legitimate authority of the state.
In summary, the Catholic Church teaches that individuals have a natural right to freely choose, express, and propagate their religion, and this right should be protected from government interference, provided it respects the common good and public order.