[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7517]

Proc. 7517

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Proclamation 7517 of January 15, 2002

Religious Freedom Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

          Religious freedom is a cornerstone of our Republic, a core 
          principle of our Constitution, and a fundamental human right. 
          Many of those who first settled in America, such as Pilgrims, 
          came for the freedom of worship and belief that this new land 
          promised. And when the British Colonies became the United 
          States, our Founders constitutionally limited our Federal 
          Government's capacity to interfere with religious belief by 
          prohibiting the Congress from passing any law ``respecting an 
          establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise 
          thereof.'' These constitutional limits have allowed the 
          flourishing of faith across our country, which greatly blesses 
          our land.
          George Washington forcefully expressed our collective 
          constitutional promise to protect the rights of people of all 
          faiths, in a historic letter he wrote to the Jewish community 
          at Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island: ``the Government 
          of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to 
          persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live 
          under its protection should demean themselves as good 
          citizens....'' Today, our cities are home to synagogues, 
          churches, temples, mosques, and other houses of worship that 
          peacefully welcome Americans of every belief. Preserving 
          religious freedom has helped America avoid the wars of 
          religion that have plagued so many cultures throughout 
          history, with deadly consequences.
          Today, as America wages war against terror, our resolve to 
          defend religious freedom remains as strong as ever. Many miles 
          from home, American service men and women have risked their 
          lives in our efforts to drive the Taliban regime from power, 
          ending an era of brutal oppression, including religious 
          oppression. At home, Americans demonstrated the vitality of 
          our

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          religious freedom in the enormous outreach by faith 
          communities to help those harmed by the terrorist attacks. In 
          quiet prayers offered to God in churches, synagogues, temples, 
          and mosques and in the helping hands of faith-based groups, 
          Americans have shown a deep love for others and genuine 
          spiritual unity that will sustain us through the difficult 
          days of recovery.
          Religious Freedom Day provides us an opportunity to celebrate 
          America's commitment to protect the freedom of religion. On 
          this special day, I encourage all Americans to renew their 
          commitment to protecting the liberties that make our country a 
          beacon of hope for people around the world who seek the free 
          exercise of religious beliefs and other freedoms.
          NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United 
          States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by 
          the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby 
          proclaim January 16, 2002, as Religious Freedom Day. I urge 
          all Americans to observe this day by asking for the blessing 
          and protection of Almighty God for our Nation, and to engage 
          in appropriate ceremonies and activities in their homes, 
          schools, and places of worship as a sign of our resolve to 
          protect and preserve our religious freedom.
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth 
          day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and 
          of the Independence of the United States of America the two 
          hundred and twenty-sixth.

GEORGE W. BUSH