RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: CARD. SCOLA, "IT INCLUDES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE RELIGION" (2)

"This conscience-mediated obedience – explained the cardinal – is the foundation of religious freedom, which must not be limited to the option of exercising a cult but also includes the right to change religion". "In so doing, the Church does not state that every choice in this sphere is fine. Only God can judge an individual’s choices in this sphere. He alone can know what is in a man’s heart and why a man decides to give up one religion for another". "One could object that the State is in any case interested in keeping a community together. However, even granting this detail – concluded Scola, with reference to the Dignitatis Humanae (no. 4) –, one cannot fail to wonder what good may come to the Truth from keeping into a religion people who are convinced they no longer believe in it". The meeting in Amman, which is focussed on "Religious freedom: a good for every society", is attended by 70 experts and scholars from the ecclesiasic, university and cultural worlds of 16 countries.