U.S. Naturalization Tests Changed from “Freedom of Worship” to “Freedom of Religion”

By Julie Brown Patton
James Lankford
Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) got the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to update language in the U.S. naturalization study guide to reflect ''freedom of religion'' rather than ''freedom of worship.'' He said the new tests will help immigrants ''get off on the right foot,'' so that each new new U.S. citizen will know what their rights are and ''have the ability to live their faith.'' Facebook

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) staffers modified the wording about religious freedom in the country's naturalization study and test materials in response to a request from Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) to change the words "freedom of worship" to "freedom of religion" in relation to First Amendment rights.

"Our Constitution does not give us rights; our Constitution recognizes the freedom given to us by God," is the conservative senator's publicly stated opinion.

Lankford wrote to the President Barack Obama administration last year, explaining how the words used to describe religious freedom on the naturalization tests, which were changed in 2008, were not inclusive enough, reports Aleteia.

Specifically, Lankford, the co-chair of the Congressional Prayer Caucus and a former Baptist youth ministry leader, sent a letter to Sec. of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson last June inquiring about the use of the term "freedom of worship" in question 51 of a naturalization study guide called "Learn About the United States: Quick Civic Lessons."

The senator wrote, "Not only is 'freedom of worship' inconsistent with the text of the Amendment proposed 226 years ago today, saying that 'freedom of worship' is more inclusive than 'freedom of religion' flies in the face of a pillar upon which our entire nation was founded."

"Our forefathers came to America to have freedom of religion, not simply freedom of worship. Worship confines you to a location. Freedom of religion is the right to exercise your religious beliefs. It is the ability for Americans to live out their faith or to choose to have no faith at all," stated Lankford.

Lankford insisted an immediate change of wording, and even though DHS staffers originally declined his request, upon further review they concluded that it was "feasible."

Citizenship and Immigration Services Director León Rodriguez sent a letter to Lankford on March 28 that stated the department will actually proceed with Lankford's suggested change, reports The Christian Post.

Lankford praised the decision, saying, "I applaud the Department of Homeland Security for deciding to change their material to reflect our First Amendment right of freedom of religion."

At first glance, it appears like a small matter, admitted Lankford. "But it is actually an important distinction for the Constitution and the First Amendment. The 'freedom of religion' language reflects our right to live a life of faith at all times, while the 'freedom of worship' reflects a right simply confined to a particular space and location."

Forty different internal and external Web-based and printed publications reportedly had to be updated as a result of the word modification.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories