Religious leaders speak out for freedom of expression in Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico, Aug 27, 2010 / 19:54 pm

This week numerous religious denominations in Mexico banded together to publish the “Interdenominational Manifesto of Mexico,” reaffirming that no religious minister should be silenced under any circumstance.

The manifesto states that religious leaders must not be silenced because “it is our duty and obligation to guide the consciences of the members of our communities.”

“The secular state cannot and must not persecute religious ministers because of their opinions or attempt to silence their public statements,” because these things are necessary to “sustain the relationship between the being and God the Creator,” the manifesto continues.

“In any revision or analysis of laws that relates to human life, morality or bioethics, the opinions of various religious leaders must be heard,” it adds, noting that this was not the case with the recent laws passed on same-sex “marriage” and adoption.

The manifesto says the secular state must not overreach its authority and engage in militant secularism or persecution. The natural law must be respected above every human law, it continues, urging leaders to revoke anti-life anti-family laws and to cease all efforts to silence religious leaders.

The manifest was signed by the Methodist Church of Mexico, the Lutheran Church, the Maronite Church, the Anglican Church, the Greek-Melkite Church and the Hare Krishna Movement.