These Liberties We Hold Sacred : Essays on Faith and Citizenship in the 21st Century

Early in American history, the country was populated by many different faith-based communities, each in search of a place to practice its religion. Initially, there was conflict, but by the time the Founding Fathers were ready to establish an independent nation, the idea of religious tolerance had become deeply ingrained in the new country''s design. So much so that when the United States Constitution was ratified, it contained a document known as The Bill of Rights- ten amendments detailing the rights of it''s country''s citizens. And the very First Amendment states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. . . ." Here lies the foundation of the principle for the separation of state and religion. Over the past few decades, however, the power of the state has usurped a growing number of rights clearly ascribed to those who wish to practice their faith. This has certainly not gone unnoticed by many religious organizations. As the supreme knight of the Knights of Columbus, Carl A. Anderson has taken an active role in highlighting - and protecting against - this ever-growing governmental infringement over fundamental religious freedom. Here in his latest book, Carl A. Anderson has gathered together many of his most thought-provoking speeches, articles, and essays that lay bare the facts of this unjustified restriction of religious beliefs. The power of his words makes it clear that if nothing is done now, there will continue to be more erosion of these special freedoms set forth by the Founding Fathers. THESE LIBERTIES WE HOLD SACRED is a call to action to first understand what is happening to religious and personal freedoms and then do all we can to hold on to these precious rights before more of them slip away.