top of page

Understanding the Importance of
Religious Literacy 

"Many people see religious freedom, religious literacy, and the way faith is influenced as separate concerns. For me, they are all deeply connected."
                                               —Jennifer Weaver

1

FOUNDATIONAL LAW

2

 RESEARCH

3

INCREASED UNDERSTANDING

4

SOLUTIONS

5

COMMUNITY VOICES

1

FOUNDATIONAL LAW

The Law and What It Protects

Start here for resources that define what religious freedom is, internationally and domestically, and why it matters for everyone, including families and individuals.

UN

United Nations

International Law

Article 18

The foundational international document. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the freedom to change belief, and to manifest it privately or publicly.

ABA

American Bar Association

Domestic Law

Respecting Other Religions

How religious freedom is interpreted in American law, and what legal protections exist for individuals and families navigating faith in a pluralistic society.

2

RESEARCH

Global Patterns

This resource shows where religious freedom is thriving, where it is under pressure, and what patterns emerge globally.

Religious Restrictions Around the World Pew Research Center

Pew Research Center

Global Data

Religious Restrictions Around the World

A comprehensive, data-driven look at how governments and social groups around the world restrict religious freedom, and what patterns emerge across regions and faith traditions. Helps put personal experience in a broader context.

3

INCREASED UNDERSTANDING

What Religious Freedom Means in Practice

These resources help us understand what religious freedom looks, sounds, and feels like day to day—including where it gets complicated.

Rights conflict

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Explanation

When Rights Conflict

What happens when two people's rights are in tension? This unpacks the complexity without taking sides.

Freedom of Religion Quotes 13 Religious Freedom Quotes

Freedom Forum

Quotes + Context

13 Freedom of Religion Quotes You Should Know

13 quotes that clarify what religious freedom means, and why people sometimes use the term differently.

What Is Religious Literacy

Freedom Forum

Concept

Religious Literacy and Freedom Quotes

Before we can protect religious freedom, we need to understand religious diversity. What it means to be religiously literate, and why it matters for every individual.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks | Sacred Reflection 

Where Do You Think God Was in the Holocaust?

A Sacred Reminder of Moral Responsibility

In this brief reflection, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks responds to the question, “Where was God in the Holocaust?” by pointing to the divine command not to oppress the stranger and the sobering reality of human agency. This resource is included with reverence as a reminder that religious literacy is not only about understanding beliefs. It is about recognizing the dignity of every human soul, the danger of prejudice, and the sacred responsibility to listen when God teaches us to protect human dignity.

4

SOLUTIONS

Practical Ways to Protect Religious Freedom

These move us from understanding into action. Practical guides, a real working model, and a deep library for those who want to explore further.

httpswww.freedomforum.orgwp-contentuploads202501religion-and-public-schools.pdf.png

Freedom Forum

Practical Guide

Religion in Public Schools

A practical First Amendment guide for understanding how students may express religious belief at school while public schools maintain religious neutrality.

Home - Religious Freedom Library

BYU Law and Wheatley Institute

Deep Research

Religious Freedom Library

A comprehensive library of academic and legal resources, including essays, case studies, and research on religious freedom.

The Utah Compromise A Model for the Nation - Alliance for Lasting Liberty

Case Study

Alliance for Lasting Liberty

The Utah Compromise: A Model for the Nation

A real-world example of a community finding a workable middle path, protecting religious freedom and individual rights together.
Proof that a both/and approach is not just possible in theory. It can exist in practice.

5

COMMUNITY VOICES

Who Else Is Working on This?

Religious freedom is not only a "church people" issue. It is a justice issue. This resource broadens the conversation and shows diverse communities working together.

Interfaith unity in a diverse society

The NAACP

Interfaith Justice

Interfaith Unity and Pluralism in a Diverse Society

A resolution affirming that protecting diverse religious expression is part of the broader work of justice, dignity, and civil rights.
This conversation belongs to everyone—not just one tradition, community, or political group.

bottom of page