Today Is National Religious Freedom Day

Today is National Religious Freedom Day-- the anniversary of the adoption of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom by the Virginia legislature on January 16, 1786. Last week, President George W. Bush issued a Proclamation formally setting this year's commemoration. The Proclamation, in part, said: "Across the centuries, people have come to America seeking to worship the Almighty freely. Today, our citizens profess many different faiths, and we welcome every religion. Yet people in many countries live without the freedom to worship as they choose and some face persecution for their beliefs. My Administration is working with our friends and allies around the globe to advance common values and spread the blessings of liberty to every corner of the world. Freedom is a gift from the Almighty, written in the heart and soul of every man, woman, and child, and we must continue to promote the importance of religious freedom at home and abroad."