School Chaplains Facilitate RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DAY
National School Chaplain Association is proud to facilitate the celebration and education of Religious Freedom Day
This writing depicts the historical origins and timeless significance of Religious Freedom Day. The rich implications of this presidentially appointed day are too critical to be forgotten. You will discover why it matters and who better than NSCA School Chaplains to convey it and engage students at school.
A nationally recognized day is the perfect time to encourage schools, parents and churches to educate and celebrate the foundations laid that continue to anchor society. Students and communities throughout our nation learn about the civil liberty rights that protect the moral and ethical guardrails. This timeless safeguard preserves the established religious freedoms for future generations.
What is it? Since 1993, every President has declared January 16th to be Religious Freedom Day. Presidents call upon Americans to "observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools and places of worship."
HISTORICAL ORIGIN: January 16 is the anniversary of the passage, in 1786, of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. (Gateways to Better Education provides a list of subsequent presidential quotes and a modern day paraphrase of Jefferson’s words in a pdf download Religious Freedom Day Guide
The National School Chaplains Association agrees and assures schools, educators and parents that the balance is protected between free expression of religion without coercion or infringing on the rights of others.
There is no violation of the First Amendment Clause because there is no establishment of religion. Chaplain care and free expression of religion is voluntary. Separation of Church and State is neither in the Constitution or Bill of Rights. The message was in a letter from Jefferson expressing to the Danbury Baptists regarding protection from the government mandating a State Church.
The Anniversary Continues to be Nationally Commemorated
“Our nation’s first Secretary of State and third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, drafted the Statute intending that it would not only protect religious freedom in Virginia but also inspire other states and nations to follow its example.
Today, we see this vision of religious freedom realized in the First Amendment to our Constitution, Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the laws of many other nations, and numerous international networks, agreements, and organizations dedicated to protecting the freedom of religion or belief for all.
The United States’s dedication to the freedom of religion or belief continues uninterrupted. Over the past four years, the United States has worked tirelessly to secure this right for everyone around the world.“ — (Blinken, Anthony, January 16, 2025)
NSCA Certified School Chaplains are a perfect choice to facilitate voluntary school participation in the Religious Freedom Day celebration, lessons in civics and activities.
Explore The National School Chaplain Association comprehensive website and its Academy page to see how NSCA specifically prepares chaplains who are not only spiritually qualified, but well versed in governmental policies, as well as pre and post constitutional implications.
“The constitutional framework that allows God, faith, and prayer to return to public schools, while fully respecting religious freedom, is chaplaincy.” (Rocky Malloy, Founder and CEO of National School Chaplains Association)
Why it matters
Students have the innate and driving force to belong, to express themselves and to celebrate together
Many other celebrations take place in schools. Let’s celebrate this as well. Choices matter.
Is it constitutional? Yes: U.S. Dept. of State
Religious Freedom Day focuses on the civic lesson.
For a copy of "The Bible in State Academic Standards" for your state, please contact Gateways info@gtbe.org. Resources have been made available in their Religious Freedom Day Guide
National School Chaplain Association and its Chaplains are honored to celebrate Religious Freedom Day.
“The very core of human existence is the expression of faith. Recognized, remembered and preserved.” - Dorothy Kozar.
References
Blinken, Anthony, Sec.of State, U.S. Department of State
Buehrer, Eric, President, Gateways to Better Education www.GoGateways.or
National School Chaplain Association https://www.nationalschoolchaplainassociation.org/editorials