Iowa Religious Freedom Day is April 13

On February 5th, Governor Kim Reynolds signed the proclamation setting April 13, 2020, as the 7th annual Iowa Religious Freedom Day.  We thank her for recognizing the importance of faith for so many Iowans. 

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The scheduled public program on April 13th in the Capitol Rotunda was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but plans are underway for 2021.  In the meantime, read the proclamation and consider how you can respect and value a diverse and free religious community. 

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At the same time, consider that religious freedom has limits, especially in times of a pandemic, when public health must be considered paramount. Responsible believers, regardless of their faith tradition, look for ways to honor and obey temporary government restrictions on movement and gathering. While we should all continue to exercise the freedom to worship, let's find ways to do it at home.  While we are all still free to advocate for our deeply held beliefs in public, let's find ways to use technology as a temporary substitute for in-person engagement.  And while we are all working through the impact of the pandemic, let us all pray for those entrusted with difficult decisions on our behalf and allow them their own exercise of faith, however it may differ.