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Obama Issues ‘Religious Freedom Day’ Proclamation: ‘A Nation of Christians & Muslims, Jews & Hindus, Sikhs & Non-Believers’

Jan. 16, 2013 7:14pm Billy Hallowell

Whether or not you knew it, today, Jan. 16, is “Religious Freedom Day,” an annual event that has been recognized by the past three U.S. presidents. The designation, which honors America as a country that allows for the free practice of any and all faiths, was officially commemorated today by President Barack Obama.

As Reason’s “Hit and Run” blog notes, “Religious Freedom Day” honors the Virginia General Assembly’s passage of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in Jan. 16, 1786. Over the past 17 years, Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama have all issued presidential proclamations in remembrance of the day (read the past archived statements here).

Barack Obama Issues 2013 Religious Freedom Day Proclamation

U.S. President Barack Obama (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

ReligiousFreedomDay.com explains the initiative in detail, writing: ”Each year, the President declares January 16th to be Religious Freedom Day, and calls upon Americans to ‘observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship.’”

On Wednesday, the White House released Obama’s 2013 proclamation message. In it, he focused upon the “freedom to worship.” Here is a portion (the majority) of the president’s commentary:

Foremost among the rights Americans hold sacred is the freedom to worship as we choose. Today, we celebrate one of our Nation’s first laws to protect that right — the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. Written by Thomas Jefferson and guided through the Virginia legislature by James Madison, the Statute affirmed that “Almighty God hath created the mind free” and “all men shall be free to profess . . . their opinions in matters of religion.” Years later, our Founders looked to the Statute as a model when they enshrined the principle of religious liberty in the Bill of Rights.

Because of the protections guaranteed by our Constitution, each of us has the right to practice our faith openly and as we choose. As a free country, our story has been shaped by every language and enriched by every culture. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, Sikhs and non-believers. Our patchwork heritage is a strength we owe to our religious freedom.

Americans of every faith have molded the character of our Nation. They were pilgrims who sought refuge from persecution; pioneers who pursued brighter horizons; protesters who fought for abolition, women’s suffrage, and civil rights. Each generation has seen people of different faiths join together to advance peace, justice, and dignity for all.

Today, we also remember that religious liberty is not just an American right; it is a universal human right to be protected here at home and across the globe. This freedom is an essential part of human dignity, and without it our world cannot know lasting peace.

As we observe Religious Freedom Day, let us remember the legacy of faith and independence we have inherited, and let us honor it by forever upholding our right to exercise our beliefs free from prejudice or persecution.

Following publication of the proclamation, The Catholic Association, a group that works to engage Catholic voters, lambasted the president’s remarks. Maureen Ferguson, senior policy adviser for the organization claimed that Obama “reduced religious freedom to freedom of worship.” And Ashley McGuire, senior fellow for the organization, called Obama’s remarks “hypocritical in light of the 100+ plaintiffs who have been forced to sue to protect their religious liberty because of the HHS mandate.”

Despite oppositional opinions and contradictions allegedly held within the president’s own actions, Obama has continued to honor the day, following in the footsteps of both Clinton and Bush who did the same. Read the proclamation in its entirety, here.

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (89)

zoro51
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 9:28pm
this coming form a SOCIALIST who spouted that america IS NO LONGER A CHRISTIAN NATION… what a SLAP in OUR FACES THIS PSUDEO DICTATOR HAS BEEN IMPEACH N THROW OUT OF THE USA NOE END AMERICA RAPE..

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- Freedomlover_US
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 9:47pm
  Oh please – what pseudo dictatorship? We were NEVER a Christian nation!!! They were always here, but as the government establishes no religion, we are a secular (not atheist) country
  
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- Sigurd_the_Crusader
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 3:33pm
  @FREEDOMLOVER_US
  
  Really? Did your teacher ever make you say the pledge of allegiance? Have you read the Constitution? Try setting it and the Bible side by side and tell me how many similarities you find. Just because your little world is faithless and uncertain doesn’t mean it represents the rest of the country.
  
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- MGrilla
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 8:36pm
  @FREEDOMLOVER_US… Who issued Proclamations of Prayer, Fasting, and Humiliation. And what would you make of this “Divine Providence” our founders spoke of. Just wondering?
  
  Report this comment
Johndeer
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 9:09pm
the Statute affirmed that “Almighty God hath created the mind free” and “all men shall be free to profess . . . their opinions in matters of religion.”

And remember this, All Mankind will be judged in how he/she used that Freedom.

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FISH_BONE
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 9:07pm
KEATON, you a true simpleton. What a disgrace.

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neverending
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 9:00pm
Two words for this ruthless thug – stuff it!

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- Advection
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:08am
  I think the word you were looking for was “shove”. LOL
  
  Report this comment
Keatonc33
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 8:58pm
allowing people who don’t follow said religion to get birth control is evil?

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MGrilla
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 8:30pm
“Foremost among the rights Americans hold sacred is the freedom to worship as we choose. Today, we celebrate one of our Nation’s first laws to protect that right “…… And all in the same day work to write new law’s to strip us of our other SACRED right’s, like the right to keep and bear arms…..”Because of the protections guaranteed by our Constitution,each of us has the right”……..to KEEP AND BEAR ARMS, right?…..” As a free country, our story has been shaped by every language and enriched by every culture. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims,”… Is he referring to the 1st & 2nd Barbary War,because I’m pretty sure that’s what shaped our navy….Maybe I’m wrong, just a thought.

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- Keatonc33
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 8:56pm
  Your right to bear arms isn’t being stripped.. did you even read the 20 some proposals? All thats going to happen is it will be made harder for people with priors to get a gun… how do you object to that?
  
  Report this comment
- Sosorryforyou
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 9:11pm
  Keaton – you are correct. And many of the 20+ EO’s were just enhancements to previous gun control laws that past Administrations decided to keep for the safety of our Nation.
  
  Report this comment
- IWILLBEFREE
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 9:35pm
  To: Keaton and SoSorry-
  
  2. Address unnecessary legal barriers, particularly relating to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, that may prevent states from making information available to the background check system.
  Translation: Breaching the whole “doctor patient confidentiality” barrier.
  
  7. Launch a national safe and responsible gun ownership campaign.
  Translation: Waste taxpayer money.
  
  14. Issue a Presidential Memorandum directing the Centers for Disease Control to research the causes and prevention of gun violence.
  Question: Is the desire to protect one’s self now considered a “disease”?
  
  16. Clarify that the Affordable Care Act does not prohibit doctors asking their patients about guns in their homes.
  Question: How does this factor into my health? What business is it of a medical doctor to know about my ability to defend myself?
  
  20. Release a letter to state health officials clarifying the scope of mental-health services that Medicaid plans must cover.
  Question: What does this have to do with firearms?
  
  Here’s the fact: You give the federal government an inch and they rip you a new ******* raping that mile outta you. Look at the “temporary” income tax. Look at any government-run toll road. Look at “hate” laws.
  Look, all of these laws can be passed by your state government. There is no way that someone in New York City can justify taking the guns from law-abiding citizens in the desert of Arizona. That’s why
  
  Report this comment
Dde13
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 8:25pm
God has plans for this man and I don’t see it ending well for him.

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- roscoe569
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 10:29pm
  God has plans for everyone….what’s your point?
  
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FISH_BONE
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 8:20pm
Religious Freedom Day given to us all from a POS who only worships himself. How fitting.

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- Keatonc33
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 8:57pm
  you forgot the “TU”
  
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- FISH_BONE
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 9:04pm
  I didn’t forget anything moron.
  
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- brother_ed
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 10:58am
  Reminds me of a bumper sticker I once saw:
  
  CHRCH; the only thing missing is U
  
  Report this comment
KIOTI-TEXAS
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 8:19pm
We are a Christian Nation Obama not a Muslim like you..If they come here they have to change, not us you SOB..

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- Freedomlover_US
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 9:52pm
  I’m every bit as American as you and I am agnostic. He never said we were a Muslim country, nor a Jewish country, nor a Sihk country. We are a nation of free people under a secular government. NOT a Christian nation, no matter how much you whine
  
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- Freedomlover_US
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 9:56pm
  YASHUARULES – No one is trying to destroy your church; what I want to destroy in conservative Christianity’s self proclaimed right to interfere with my life.
  
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bigbear_awake
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 8:08pm
how many muslims were at the white house today for prayer huh

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- PIGSWILLNEVERFLY
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 10:17pm
  Every 3 minutes a Christian is be murdered by a Muslim. In North Sudan over 3 million Christians have been killed. Where is the OUTRAGE!! Tell the Muslims to pound sand we don’t need stinkin’ Sharia in the USA!
  
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Stelex
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:54pm
Well Blaze, your batting a 1000 tonight, there was nothing, nothing in my post that was unacceptable. I give you one more strike……..block another post and I’ll report you to Obama. Oh yeah Beouuccchhhh

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- The-Monk
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 8:04pm
  Hi Stelex,
  
  One thing to watch out for, which is a glitch, is the use of these 3 letters in a row; c-u-m.
  
  If you type in doc-u-ment and don’t separate the 3 letters with spaces or dashes your comment will never post or even make it to the moderators. Words like inc u mbent will totally block your post.
  
  I hope this helps. : )
  
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- Sosorryforyou
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 8:25pm
  Monk is correct. I used the word doc u ment once and my post did not appear.
  
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- FISH_BONE
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 8:38pm
  On a similar issue: every time I compare Moochelle to Patrick Ewing, my post is removed.
  
  Report this comment
Texas Hills Patriot
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:52pm
Religious freedom has become a joke under this administration. You’re allowed (even encouraged) to read the Bible in prison, but it’s forbidden in our schools, both government institutions. And notice that Muslims came before Jews in the proclamation.

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- Freedomlover_US
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 9:55pm
  No one is forbidden to read a Bible in a school. In fact, you can teach about the Bible as a work of literature in public schools. But that wouldn’t fit your narrative now, would it?
  
  Report this comment
- calexyon
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 3:15pm
  just the point freedomlover_us. teach it as a piece of liturature as long as it’s not referenced as Holy Scripture. see what’s happening? remove the 10 commandments from schools, the golden rule from schools, don’t teach kids to think independently only in groups, tolerate everything even though you may disagree, ect. control religion and the children and you have a communist state. open your eyes before your marching down main stree in a mao jacket and hanging a picture of barry in every room of your house!
  
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- roscoe569
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 10:44pm
  “And notice that Muslims came before Jewish ….what are you ..twelve? Get off your high horse
  
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SacredHonor1776
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:48pm
Freedom of religion is for every day, not just one day a year…

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- OlefromMN
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 8:10pm
  Monday through Sunday of every given week last I checked.
  
  Report this comment
hi
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:38pm
Obama “reduced religious freedom to freedom of worship.”

That’s the most important part and scary part of the story. He wants to confine religion to worship in a building. He is against religious freedom which allows us to express our faith everywhere.

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- Witness1974
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:54pm
  Exactly right!
  
  Report this comment
Stelex
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:34pm
Hey Blaze, your vievership down???? I’ve been the 100, 000th reader all week.

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- Bearfoot
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:44pm
  Me too!
  How can I be the 100,000th viewer all week?
  I have some misgivings about the honesty of that ad.
  
  Report this comment
mtsnj
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:32pm
WOW what a bunch of morons, we don’t need “a” day, Everyday is freedom of religion day in our America. Not sure what day it is in his America, but it would be nice to him roll his role back to what he’s really suppose to be doing, like not sinking this country into the hole he & congress has driven us into.

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The-Monk
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:31pm
Were schools allowed to participate?

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- CatB
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:46pm
  Excellent question Monk my guess .. they are free to read and study the koran … not The Bible.
  
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progressiveslayer
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:28pm
The Marxist has no shame,he’s all for religious freedom huh? Is that why the Marxist POS is forcing catholics to act against their faith?

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- wowjustwow
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 8:56pm
  You’re yanking your own chain, buddy…Catholics ALL use birth control…spare me. Dream on.
  
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KingCanon
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:27pm
And God said….

And all God’s people said….

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Maximus_Delta
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:26pm
“We will take America without firing a shot…….We will BURY YOU! We can’t expect the American People to jump from Capitalism to Communism, but we can assist their elected leaders in giving them small doses of Socialism, until they awaken one day to find that they have Communism. We do not have to invade the United States, we will destroy you from within.”
(From Khrushchev’s address to Western Ambassadors at the Polish embassy in Moscow on November 18, 1956.)

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- Freedomlover_US
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 10:02pm
  Yes, that was their devious plot, to put a Soviet style communist in the White House 18 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Good work uncovering that!!!
  
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- calexyon
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 3:27pm
  to freedomlover_us
  
  are u sure ur for freedom? what kind? please enlighten the rest of us. i suggest you start from the beginning with marx. i don’t think maximus was literally eluding to the past 18yr. plot and had chosen barry as their mole. but if you know any history and some of the solcialist/communist players involved over the decades (the subversion of the u.s. dates back to the ’30′s) you may well look at things less myopically. khrushchev’s quote was as real then as it is now. don’t kid yourself that the commies haven’t been at work on the DL for a long time in america.
  
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DadRocked
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:23pm
The freedom to worship includes non-believers?
Huh?…

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- gyro
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:47pm
  good point
  
  Report this comment
- barber2
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 10:05pm
  DAD: The atheists are an important bloc of the Democrat Chicago radicals’ support. Haven’t you noticed their comments here on the Blaze ? The atheists , like Obama , worship Big Brother Government. Government is their God. They worship him on a daily basis.
  
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- U4eeeahhh
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 8:38am
  Religious freedom includes Freedom FROM Religion as well.
  America is just swarming with Muslims. According to projections, Muslims will account for 1.7% of the U.S. population in 2030, up from 0.8% in 2010. [source PEW Reserach]
  
  Nonbelievers in any religion is 19.6% of Americans and is projected to double in the next 20 years to 40% of Americans. A recent study revels that 17.7% of Americans still regularly attend church, down from 70% in 1950. Among 18-26 college students and college grads Pew found 65% have no religion.
  
  Freedom FROM Religion is fast becoming the most important aspect of Religious Freedom for many Americans.
  
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tootsie roll
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:22pm
HEY all of you JEWS WHO VOTED FOR HIM! NOTE HE PUT THE MUSLIMS IN FRONT OF YOU.
If I did not Love Israel so much I almost would laugh at you Jews who voted him in again.
YOU deserve every thing he does for Oh I mean against you. You deserve it

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- bigdaddyt46
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 3:38am
  i had a older Jewish man i worked with. we were very close, and would talk together about everything under the sun. we would have rational discussions(no name calling hate because i was republican, and vise versa) including politics. never got heated, not even close. one day Bush sr. came up as a topic and his comical answer was why we respected each other so much.
  
  “you know why no Jew did or will ever vote for him? because the last times Jews followed a Bush we wandered the desert for 40 years”.
  
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SaturdaysWarrior76
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:22pm
He is so full of C R A P! Because in America, EVERY day is Freedom of Religion day! I can’t take him anymore. aauuugghhh!

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- TEXASGRANNY73
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:27pm
  Yes. First thought in my mind is I have religious freedom every day of my life. Thanks be to God and our Founders who had our backs then and now.
  
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- DEFCON4
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:40pm
  So, with that ‘reasoning’, we are only supposed to re-cycle on Earth day ?
  
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ManassasGrandma
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:20pm
Wow, He is one major hypocrite. He is intent on distroying religious freedom if he can.

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- CatB
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:49pm
  Isn ‘t this the same guy who snubbed the National Day of Prayer breakfast EVERY year he has been in office.
  
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- FISH_BONE
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 8:55pm
  When you are your own god, there is no need to pray.
  
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Too_Far_Gone
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 7:19pm
Go to h e l l ..

pos

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