Religious leaders attend interfaith ceremony and bestow blessing on new Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton. (© AP Images)

"The right to religious freedom is a foundation of America. On Religious Freedom Day, our Nation celebrates the passage of the 1786 Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and the protection of religious freedom in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Our Founding Fathers knew the importance of freedom of religion to a stable democracy, and our Constitution protects individuals' rights to worship as they choose. We reject religious discrimination in every form, and we continue our efforts to oppose prejudice and to counter any infringements on religious freedom.

Today, we are also working to advance freedom of religion abroad. The Department of State's Office of International Religious Freedom plays an important role in these efforts, advocating for religious freedom and actively working against religious persecution around the world. " - President Bush.

President's 2007 Proclamation

State Dept. Office of International Religious Freedom

USINFO: Principles of Democracy - Freedom of Religion

USINFO: Religious Freedom Day Marks American Tradition of Good Will