Berkley Center

In his contribution to the book After Forty Years: Vatican Council II's Diverse Legacy, Thomas Farr explores the impact of American theology on the "Declaration on Religious Liberty" (Dignitatis Humanae) and argues that the principles espoused by the document should guide American foreign policy on this important topic. He argues for the presence of religious liberty as a force to challenge theocracies by establishing toleration. Furthermore, Farr bolsters the viability of religious freedom in U.S. foreign policy by noting that while it erodes theocracies and undermines violent extremism, it maintains respect for traditional religions around the globe.