Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Yesterday, December 10, marked the 60th anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. I re-read the document and was struck by the bold vision of those who were responsible for its composition. Issued in the aftermath of World War II, in which millions upon millions of non-combatants were killed, the hope for the future expressed in the declaration is inspiring.

You can read the document at this site: http://www.unhchr.ch/udhr/lang/eng.htm.

I want to include Article 18 in this blog which speaks to religious liberties:
Article 18
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

As I re-read the declaration, I was also struck by how far the nations of the world have to go in seeing the full expression of these rights realized for all people.

Now for the question(s) of the day: What do you think are the main obstacles to true religious freedom for all people? What can the world community do to help all people achieve these rights? Can you think of ways in which your government - either national or local - has limited freedom of religion? In secular societies, how can you guarantee the religious rights of some without infringing upon the religious rights of others?