They sang patriotic songs, recited prayers from their religious traditions and read a variety of famous quotes espousing the central role of religious freedom in preserving human dignity and the nation's democracy.

“I do not want that to be changed or torn apart,” said Dr. Rajam Ramamurthy, a San Antonio neonatologist and Hindu leader. “The experiment of America is one of the greatest ever where cultures and religions come together and live together.”

The event intentionally steered clear of overt political rhetoric, including criticism of the Obama administration's policy mandating religiously affiliated employers to provide birth-control coverage.

U.S. bishops call that policy an affront to time-honored freedoms and blame a growing cultural shift toward secular thought for it. The issue helped inspire their ongoing, two-week campaign called “Fortnight for Freedom.”

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The San Antonio archdiocese has put a monthlong spotlight on religious freedom in conjunction with the bishops. The event ends July 1, when pastors will read a letter on the topic at each Mass from San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller and ring their church bells at noon.

The archbishop was out of town Tuesday and was represented by Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantu. Catholic leaders in San Antonio support the call by U.S. bishops to reverse the birth-control policy but said the seven clergy taking part in Tuesday's event came for the narrow purpose of heralding religious liberty.

“Today, we pray for freedom,” Cantu said during the service. “We pray for the elected officials of our country that they may uphold the laws that guarantee freedom of religion, freedom from coercion and freedom of conscience.”

The clergy represented a spectrum of religions from Islam, Baha'i and Judaism to Protestantism and Sikhism. Catholicism is the region's largest faith group with an estimated membership of more than 700,000.

About 70 people were in the audience inside the chancery's atrium for the event, which was closed to the public but broadcast live on Catholic Television of San Antonio. Many said the event was a much-needed reminder of how believers of all shapes and sizes should find protection in the Constitution.

“Give us understanding hearts to realize ... that the religious freedom we enjoy is threatened if full religious freedoms are denied to others,” prayed Rabbi Aryeh Scheinberg of Congregation Rodfei Sholom. “May this blessed land always remain a citadel of freedom and liberty — a watchtower of light and hope whereby all who were created in thine image shall enjoy the fullest life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

alevy@express-news.net

Correction: Rabbi Aryeh Scheinberg spoke during a service June 26 to celebrate religious freedom. A June 27 story on B1 incorrectly spelled his name.