FAITH MONTH
Congressional Record Vol. 169, No. 65
(Senate - April 19, 2023) PDF
Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, Americans across the country, led
by Concerned Women for America, the Nation's largest public policy
organization for women, and other faith-based organizations continue to
celebrate April as Faith Month. I commend this noble effort calling all
people of faith to join in prayer, thanksgiving, and celebration of
their faith.
The United States of America was born of the unanimous Declaration
that we are ``endowed by [our] Creator with certain unalienable
Rights,'' based on ``the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God,''
``appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world,'' and acknowledging our
``reliance on the protection of divine Providence.'' We are a people of
faith, which is why religious freedom is known as America's first
freedom, as laid out in the Establishment and the Free Exercise Clauses
of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The freedom of speech
is guaranteed by the First Amendment and also supports America's unique
focus on freedom of expression, including in matters of faith.
America's Judeo-Christian founding promotes religious diversity and
tolerance. Our motto, ``In God We Trust,'' further emphasizes the
importance of faith in our Nation's founding. From our first President
to the last, we have always acknowledged America's faith. President
George Washington recognized ``it is the duty of all Nations to
acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be
grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and
favor.''
Preserving our religious freedom, which strengthens our country's
appreciation of all peoples, regardless of faith, requires eternal
diligence. Sadly, attacks on religious liberty and people of faith are
growing, with some religious charities forced to betray the tenets of
their faith in order to participate in certain government programs. We
must actively reject all efforts to criminalize or cancel religious
beliefs as somehow incompatible with our democracy.
Religious organizations in America have a rich history of charitable
engagement by helping the sick, poor, and afflicted. Their presence in
my State of Mississippi following devastating and fatal tornadoes in
March has been a blessing to those trying to rebuild their lives. Their
service demonstrates why these organizations should be celebrated, not
maligned, for their contributions to improve life. According to the Pew
Research Center, more than 75 percent of Americans practice some type
of religious faith. This rich, diverse religious heritage is to our
credit and should be encouraged.
This Faith Month, I join millions of Americans in honoring the right
to practice our faith freely and openly, with public displays and
celebrations, including prayer and expressions of thanksgiving. In this
manner, we reaffirm our commitment to the religious liberty principles
of our founding.