“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

We all know these words by heart. They are from the United States Declaration of Independence. However, are these words held with the same reverence around the world as they are held here at home? Sadly, no. There are many places in the world where it is a life-threatening endeavor to practice one’s faith, that faith that was given to each human by that Creator who endowed us with inalienable rights.

Let us take a moment to remember all those people in the world who are not free to seek life, liberty, or happiness.

O God,

You will that all people should be free to worship you without fear and to celebrate their religious beliefs freely, even if they have not yet found you.

Grant that those of us who live in this great nation will thank you daily for our freedom, and work for the freedom of others around the world that do not yet have the freedom to practice their faith openly and proudly.

We seek your wisdom where hatred abounds and ask for humility to offer our good works to others who live in fear and bondage.

We ask all this through Christ our Lord, who frees us from sin and death through the wood of the cross.

Amen.

The Parish office will be closed on Monday, July 4th.