Religious Freedom in a World of Religious Restrictions About half a decade ago John F. Kennedy uttered these famous words: “Tolerance does not imply a lack of commitment to one's beliefs. Rather, it condemns the oppression or persecution of others” (1930). Nowadays, the issues of tolerance, oppression and persecution are still relevant, especially when it comes to religion. Although religious restrictions globally and nationally are increasing, without most Westerners realizing it, there is hope for increased religious freedom in the future. Research Center 2012). The number of countries with high or very high restrictions on religious beliefs increased the most. Many of the countries with high or very high restrictions are highly (?) populous countries, so the percentage of people currently living in countries with high restrictions on religious beliefs and practices is 75. The PEW research measured both government restrictions and the social hostilities that occur in most countries of the world. Government restrictions included laws, policies and government actions that limit religious beliefs or practices. Social hostilities included acts of religious hostility by individuals and social groups. Overall, both variables have increased globally. PEW research attributes the increase in restrictions to increases in crime, malicious acts and violence motivated by religious hatred or prejudice, and to increased government interference with worship or other religious practices. Particular religions, such as Jews, Christians, Buddhists, adherents of popular or traditional traditions... at the center of the document... Ocio-juridical analysis." Sociology of Religion 67(3): 271-294. Retrieved November 5, 2013 ( http://www.jstor.org/stable/25046739).Schutten, Andrew 2013. “ARPA in Ottawa Citizen and Calgary Herald: Who is Calling the Kettle Black?” Reformed Political Action Association, September 13 Retrieved 22 November 2013 (http://arpacanada.ca/issuesresearch/religious-freedom/1874-arpa-in-ottawa-citizen-and-calgary-herald-who-is-calling-the-kettle-black), Shannon I . 2001. “Religious Freedom and Equality Concerns Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.” Canadian Journal of Political Science 34(1): 85-107 doi: 10.2307/3232544. The Association of Religion Data Archives "Canada, Religion and Social Profile" The Association of Religion Data Archives, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2013 (http://www.thearda.com/internationalData/countries/Country_41_1.asp)