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Many pressures are brought to bear upon the men of our day, to
the point where the danger arises lest they lose the possibility of
acting on their own judgment. On the other hand, not a few can be
found who seem inclined to use the name of freedom as the pretext for
refusing to submit to authority and for making light of the duty of
obedience. Wherefore this Vatican Council urges everyone,
especially those who are charged with the task of educating others, to
do their utmost to form men who, on the one hand, will respect the
moral order and be obedient to lawful authority, and on the other
hand, will be lovers of true freedom-men, in other words, who will
come to decisions on their own judgment and in the light of truth,
govern their activities with a sense of responsibility, and strive
after what is true and right, willing always to join with others in
cooperative effort.
Religious freedom therefore ought to have this further purpose and
aim, namely, that men may come to act with greater responsibility in
fulfilling their duties in community life.
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