Becket Fund Awards Canterbury Medal to Archbishop Chaput

He is neither shy nor soft-spoken when he believes religious liberty in general or his Roman Catholic faith are in jeopardy. It is we who are honored by his acceptance of our medal.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Zenit) - Archbishop Charles Chaput's defense of the faith and action on behalf of religion in the public sector will be recognized with the Canterbury Medal.

The archbishop of Denver will be given this honor in a banquet hosted in May by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty.

The fund is an international, interfaith law firm that strives to defend the inherent human right to religious expression against threats from government or secular forces. Annually, the group awards the Canterbury Medal in recognition of an individual who exemplifies in action the support of this freedom.

"We are especially proud to add Archbishop Chaput to this distinguished list," said Becket Fund President Kevin Hasson. "He is neither shy nor soft-spoken when he believes religious liberty in general or his Roman Catholic faith are in jeopardy. It is we who are honored by his acceptance of our medal."

The organization recognized the prelate's "contributions to religious liberty and the national political discourse"; his recent book "Render Unto Caesar"; and his "prominent interventions in the public square." His engagement of society on the question of religious liberty has sparked numerous debates and gained media and public attention.

A statement from the group congratulated the archbishop for insisting "that American democracy depends on an engaged citizenry -- people of character, including religious believers, fighting for their beliefs in the public square -- respectfully but vigorously, and without apology."