Why freedom of faith matters for ___________:
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Text 202.341.2330 with your audio message about why freedom of faith matters to you!
Women
If you care about women being able to reach their full potential, productivity, and creativity, then you should also care about freedom of faith.
When religious freedom suffers, so do the rights of women. Research shows that religious freedom goes along with women’s empowerment and the ability to engage in and contribute to the economy. In addition, when women play a role in forging peace treaties, the treaties have a much higher chance of sticking. Interestingly, the only thing more overlooked than women in peacebuilding are women of faith.
Therefore, when you support IGE, you are helping women of faith assume and advance in leadership and influence in global affairs.
Business
If you care about a strong and vibrant economy, then you should care about freedom of faith.
Research shows that religious freedom goes hand in hand with economic growth and flourishing. Conversely, religious intolerance drives away investment dollars, harms development, and disrupts economic activity. Religious freedom can improve employee morale, lower costs, and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.
When you support IGE, you are striving for respect and equal economic opportunities for those marginalized or persecuted for their faith.
Peace and Security
If you care about global peace and security, then you should care about freedom of faith.
Religious persecution lies at the heart of many conflicts worldwide. Research shows that religious freedom is associated with greater stability and peace.
When you support IGE, you are supporting peacebuilding and reconciliation.
Governance
If you care about good governance, then you should also care about freedom of faith.
Religious freedom reduces corruption, which is key to good governance and responsive institutions. Eight of the ten most corrupt countries in the world have severe restrictions on religious liberty. Countries with higher levels of government interference of religion suffer from political instability, bureaucratic inefficiency, and regulatory harm. Furthermore, there is less political openness and accountability to citizens.
When you support IGE, you are supporting good governance and accountability.
Human Rights
If you care about human rights, then you should also care about freedom of faith.
The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights states freedom of thought and religion are two of the most fundamental rights. The right to freedom of belief also encompasses the right of free speech, assembly, and equality before the law.
When you support IGE, you are supporting the advancement of fundamental and God-given human rights.
Freedom of Speech and Press
If you care about freedom of speech and freedom of the press, then you should also care about freedom of faith.
Religious freedoms are embedded within a much larger bundle of civil liberties; at the core of religious expression is the freedom of speech. Free press and free speech help to ensure that religious freedoms are protected and that violators of religious freedoms are exposed and brought to justice. Journalism and religion both work to speak truth to power, fight for protection of the marginalized and oppressed, safeguard liberty, and encourage critical thinking about important topics.
When you support IGE, you help to ensure that people are able to express themselves freely in public and in private, in speech or in print, without feeling that they may face persecution for speaking out.
Healthcare
If you care about healthcare and well-being, then you should care about freedom of faith.
Faith-based medical centers and practitioners provide healthcare to the most needy and vulnerable around the world, often at a lower cost and with higher quality.
When you support IGE, you are supporting the ability of faith-based organizations to practice and provide services where they are needed, without interference or opposition from the government or society.
Youth and Education
If you care about youth and their education, then you should care about freedom of faith.
Religion and belief have an impact on young people's identity and sense of belonging and are correlated with more community involvement and better performance in school. Additionally, freedom of religion coupled with educational opportunities is one of the most important and lasting ways to counter violent extremism and prevent terrorism in countries where there is little religious diversity. Education is one of the most important spheres of life; stereotypes and prejudices can be counteracted and young people are able to engage with new ideas and analyze issues through the lenses of mutual understanding, tolerance and acceptance of difference.
When you support IGE, you are helping to build religious freedom internationally and subsequently helping to raise up a generation of peace makers, involved in bettering their communities at home and abroad.