Religious freedom is presented as immunity from external coercion in civil society, grounded in the dignity of the human person as endowed with reason and free will. Every person has a moral duty to seek and follow religious truth according to conscience, so faith must be a free and voluntary act. The right remains applicable even to those who fail to seek or embrace truth, subject to public order and the rights of others.

The declaration extends this freedom to religious communities, families, and organizations. Communities may govern themselves, worship publicly, train ministers, communicate their faith, and manage property; parents have primary responsibility for religious education and must be free to choose schools. Governments must protect these rights equally, limiting them only when strictly necessary for justice, peace, morality, or the common welfare. The Church claims corresponding freedom to fulfill its mission, while Christians are called to proclaim the Gospel with love, patience, and respect.