Declaration of Principles of the International Association for the Defense of Religious Liberty

“We believe that religious liberty is a God-given right, and hold that it is best exercised where separation is maintained between religious organizations and state.

We believe that legislation and other governmental acts which unite religious organizations and state are opposed to the best interests of both institutions and are potentially prejudicial to human rights.

We believe that government is divinely ordained to support and protect citizens in the enjoyment of natural rights, and to rule in civil affairs ; in this realm government warrants respectful obedience and willing support.

We believe in the natural and inalienable right of freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of one’s choice; to change religious belief according to conscience; to manifest one’s religion or belief either individually or in community with others and in public or private, in worship, observance, practice and teaching – subject only to respect for the equivalent rights of others.

We believe that religious liberty also includes the freedom to establish and operate appropriate charitable or educational institutions, to solicit or receive voluntary financial contributions, to observe days of rest and celebrate holidays in accordance with the precepts of one’s religion, and to maintain communication with fellow believers and religious communities at national and international levels.

We believe that religious liberty and the elimination of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief are essential in the promotion of understanding, peace and friendship among peoples.

We believe that citizens should use lawful and honourable means to prevent the reduction of religious liberty, so that all may enjoy its inestimable blessing.

We believe that the spirit of true religious liberty is epitomized in the Golden Rule, which teaches that "every human being should do to others as he would have others do to him.”