Summary
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty released its annual religious freedom report on February 17, coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary and a time when religious freedoms are under threat. Chairing the committee is Archbishop Alexander Sample from Portland, Oregon. The document identifies six critical areas of concern for 2026, including violence directed at places of worship and individuals based on their religion, unjust terms attached to federal grants, and issues surrounding access to sacraments for ICE detainees and sanctity of houses of worship during immigration enforcement. Archbishop Alexander Sample emphasized that the Church’s engagement with public life is a missionary one rather than legal or political. The report highlights threats to religious freedom from multiple fronts, including violence towards places of worship and individuals based on their religion. Catholic institutions have faced pressure to compromise their identity for participation in public life; however, the bishops assert the importance of maintaining their convictions as they provide essential services such as healthcare, education, adoption, and social work. The commission’s report serves as a call to action and moral authority for Catholics across the political spectrum who should take these concerns seriously.
Key Topics
Portland Oregon, Dignitatis Humanae, Archbishop Alexander Sample
