“[Religious] freedom remains one of America’s most precious possessions. And, as my brothers, the United States bishops, have reminded us, all are called to be vigilant, precisely as good citizens, to preserve and defend that freedom from everything that would threaten or compromise it.”

—Pope Francis

Serving Others in God’s Love: Religious Freedom Week 2018 will take place from June 22 to 29. The week begins with the Feast of Sts. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, ends with the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul and includes the Feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist.

During Religious Freedom Week, Catholics are encouraged to pray and act each day for religious freedom.

“Religious freedom allows the space for people of faith to serve others in God’s love in ministries like education, adoption and foster care, health care, and migration and refugee services,” said Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee for Religious Liberty. “We encourage people of faith to reflect on the importance of religious freedom so that we might have the space to carry out our mission of service and mercy, and we invite everyone to pray for our brothers and sisters who face intense persecution in other parts of the world.”