religious freedom

KTLW programmer Chuck Colson has reminded us of a forgotten celebration. Each year, the president declares January 16 to be "Religious Freedom Day" and calls upon all Americans to "observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship."

The U.S. Department of Education has issued guidelines that clearly explain that students in our public schools have the right to express their faith in their assignments. They can witness to their classmates. They can read their Bibles at school and pray. But many students and their teachers feel as though their classrooms are supposed to be religion-free zones.

You can promote greater religious freedom this year by telling others about Religious Freedom Day, which is the anniversary of the passage of Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute on Religious Freedom in 1786. Since January 16 falls on a Sunday, we recommend you ask teachers and school officials to act on the president's request and conduct “appropriate events and activities” in honor of Religious Freedom Day on Friday, January 14.

Gateways to Better Education has prepared a helpful information explaining Religious Freedom Day and suggesting a number of ways public schools can celebrate. Two great fact sheets from Gateways to Better Education are "Commemorating Religious Freedom Day (January 16)," which provides ideas to schools on how to observe this day, and "Free to Speak," a useful handout to students explaining what their religious freedoms are, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Make copies and distribute this one-page document to families in your church.

“Religious Freedom Day” is a reminder that no one should suffer on account of his religious beliefs, nor should they affect his civil rights. We don't have to leave our faith at the door of the school, the office, or the public square.