Q’s from the Pews, Vol 9/9: Documents of Vatican II

What Is the Church’s View on Other Religions and Religious Freedom?

The Second Vatican Council’s declaration Dignitatis Humanae (The Dignity of the Human Person, DG) affirms that every human being has a right to religious freedom. It emphasizes that “constitutional laws” should safeguard this freedom, recognizing it as a fundamental responsibility of governments in protecting inviolable human rights. Pope St. John Paul II later highlighted the importance of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as a powerful support for this teaching. According to DG, God has given each person the ability to seek the truth—or to reject it. Therefore, individuals and communities “should be free from coercion and not forced to act against their beliefs” provided that their actions respect the limits necessary for peaceful coexistence.

This commitment to religious freedom also informs the Church’s relationship with other religions, as expressed in Nostra Aetate (In Our Time). This document teaches that God is the origin of all humanity, and that all people seek truth through His saving design. In this search, people ask profound questions such as: “What is the meaning and purpose of life?” Because God created all people, “there is found among peoples a certain perception of (His) hidden power.” Since God makes Himself known in part through His creation. The Church acknowledges that elements of truth— “rays of that Truth which enlightens all men”—can be found in non-Christian religions. Thus, the Church “rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions.” We especially recognize Judaism, through which God chose to fully reveal Himself, and by whom we “understand, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham.” (Gal 3:9) Send any questions to: dre@saintcolumbachurch.org