Dallas Baptist University Report Highlights Global Decline in Religious Liberty

The Everett Center for Global Religious Freedom at Dallas Baptist University recently released a report assessing the current state of religious liberty worldwide. The findings suggest that global religious freedom is in a state of decline, characterized by the researchers as being in poor health rather than experiencing positive momentum.

The report draws upon the historical Baptist tradition of "soul liberty," which posits that individuals are accountable to God alone regarding matters of conscience. This doctrine historically influenced the development of religious freedom in the United States, including the 1801 correspondence between the Danbury Baptist Association and President Thomas Jefferson. The center emphasizes that this original understanding of freedom focused on inward cognitive liberty and the responsibility of government to address civil conduct rather than policing personal beliefs.

By revisiting these historical principles, the center aims to highlight the importance of freedom of conscience in contemporary society. The report serves as a call to reflect on the foundational concepts of religious liberty as advocates continue to monitor and address restrictions on faith practices globally.