Religious Liberty

1. Within a religion, this is a measure by which individuals can hold beliefs that deviate from those taught by their faith group, without incurring oppression, expulsion, or trial for heresy.

2. Within a nation, this is a measure of an individual's right to hold beliefs that differ from the dominant religion; to worship freely according to these beliefs; to attempt to peacefully convince others to convert to their faith; and the right to change their religion or set of beliefs. Historically, countries with a strict separation between governments and religion have tended to exhibit the greatest religious liberty for its citizens.