Declaration on Religious Liberty-no. 4

The freedom or immunity from coercion in matters religious which is the endowment of persons as individuals is also to be recognized as their right when they act in community. Religious bodies are a requirement of the social nature both of man and of religion itself. Provided the just requirements of public order are observed, religious bodies rightfully claim freedom in order that they may govern themselves according to their own norms, honor the Supreme Being in public worship, assist their members in the practice of the religious life, strengthen them by instruction, and promote institutions in which they may join together for the purpose of ordering their lives in accordance with their religious principles. Religious bodies also have the right not to be
hindered, either by legal measures or by administrative action on the part of government, in the selection,
training, appointment, and transferral of their own ministers, in communicating with religious authorities and
communities abroad, in erecting buildings for religious purposes, and in the acquisition and use of suitable
funds or properties.

Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae), no. 4 December 7, 1965

These reflections and readings from the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae) are intended
for daily use during the Fortnight for Freedom, a national campaign designated by the U.S. Catholic bishops for teaching and witness
in support of religious liberty. The readings and the questions that follow can be used for group discussion or for personal reflection.