The rights in our Constitution originate from the beliefs that are expressed in the Declaration. Our founding fathers felt that religious freedom was so important that they put it in the very first amendment to the Constitution. It states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof … ." Our founding fathers demonstrated that these rights come from God by revolting against a king who tried to limit their rights. They claimed certain rights for the people and they passed them on from generation to generation so that as an American, I can practice my religion today.

Today in America, we also have people in our government seeking to limit and even take away our religious freedom. We believe as Catholics that in order to live our faith, we must be involved in certain activities to help the less-fortunate, poor widows and orphans. The organizations that we have established and the beliefs that guide us to live our faith cannot be violated by our government.

My family's hero is Pope John Paul II. He spoke often about the need for Catholics to live their faith and put their beliefs into practice in society in order to establish a "Culture of Life." This means we respect the human dignity of each person. Today, it seems as though everyone has a cause that they are fighting for. We as Catholics also have a battle to fight — the battle for life. Those who attempt to violate our faith are referred to by John Paul as the "Culture of Death," who we, the "Culture of Life," oppose.

Is it appropriate that a nurse be fired because she refuses to assist at an abortion? It is not at all appropriate, that people be punished for their beliefs. Cardinal George once stated, "I was born and raised here (Chicago), and my understanding of being a Chicagoan never included submitting my value system to the government for approval. Must those whose personal values do not conform to those of the government of the day move from the city? Is the City Council going to set up a 'Council Committee on Un-Chicagoan Activities' and call those of us who are suspect to appear before it?"

I believe this is a valid point for people of faith, as the government tries to deprive people of their God-given right to live their faith.

In conclusion, the federal government has certain powers granted to it by the people. These rights come from God. Does the government have the ability to take away God-given rights? Do the Constitution and the Bill of Rights mean anything to those who would kill a baby in the womb, force others to cooperate in this action against their will, or recognize a marriage between two men or two women or perhaps any number of individuals?

Lincoln said in his Gettysburg Address, that our government is, "of the people, by the people, and for the people." Does this statement still apply to today's society? I am pondering these questions, but I know one thing: Religious freedom is the most important God-given right we have.

Cardinal George predicts, "I will die on a deathbed, my successor will die in prison, and his successor will die a martyr's death."

If we don't fight now, will the cardinal's prediction come true and the battle for religious freedom be lost?