According to Christian tradition and scripture, in God's plan humanity is saved by faith not the Law. The Christian is free of the Law through Christ and is no longer a slave. We can say 'Abba, Father'. Human freedom came with Christ. If the Christian is free then he is heir to the promises of Abraham. The law of freedom set us free to act spontaneously in charity and changes us from servants to friends. It requires assent.
Down the centuries since the Reform period Catholics in England have suffered persecution and discrimination. Liberty of belief and action were suppressed and people were punished as individuals and as members of a community. There were uprisings and government action to put them down. Some people discerned social practices that they thought implied inferiority categorically rather than as individuals. Thousands of people suffered as a result.
Prejudice is an attitude, internal and personal. It may be practiced by persons otherwise non-discriminatory by observing social conventions or laws or acting for personal, economic or other advantage. Slavery in England and the Empire was abolished largely through the efforts of Clarkson and Wilberforce. Most forms of discrimination are frowned on in the workplace and legislation exists to prevent it. Practising religion means charity in action. Although some conscientiious Catholics may still feel unable to take the oaths required of a Prime Minister and Justice Minister/Lord Chancellor, the only anti-Catholic legislation still existing is contained in the Act of Settlement, 1701. It prevents Catholic succession to the throne. There is an ongoing debate in both Houses of Parliament. The legal restrictions should be removed. It is an outdated and obsolete piece of legislation and should be scrapped.
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