ABSTRACT
The declaration o f this Vatican Synod on the right o f man to religious freedom has its foundation in the dignity o f the person. The requirements of this dignity have come to be more adequately known to human reason through centuries o f experience. What is more, this doctrine o f freedom has its roots in divine revelation, and for this reason Christians are bound to respect it all the more conscientiously. Revelation does not indeed affirm in so many words the right of man to immunity from external coercion in matters religious. It does, however, disclose the dignity o f the human person in its full dimensions. It gives evidence o f the respect which Christ showed toward the freedom with which man is to fulfil his duty o f belief in the Word of God. It gives us lessons too in the spirit which disciples o f such a Master ought to make their own and to follow in every situation...It is one of the major tenets of Catholic doctrine that man’s response to God in faith must be free. Therefore no one is to be forced to embrace the Christian faith against his own will. This doctrine is contained in the Word o f God and it was constantly proclaimed by the Fathers of the Church. The act o f faith is o f its very nature a free act.
