Source: https://www.bertha-dudde.org/en/proclamation/2792

2792 Restriction of freedom.... schools of thought....

June 29, 1943: Book 37

Man's free will is in no way respected if his spiritual endeavours are suppressed, if he is forced into a way of thinking, regardless of whether it corresponds to the truth or not. The free decision must always be left to him.... He can certainly seek advice and such advice can be given to him by fellow human beings, but this always has to take the form of instructions which he can accept or not, depending on his will, but as soon as a certain amount of coercion is exercised insofar as that he is presented with an opinion which he is supposed to accept and an open battle is waged against every other school of thought, an attempt is made to eliminate the human being's free will, and this does not correspond to God's will. Yet you humans are approaching a time when all freedom will be curtailed and especially spiritual freedom will be completely undermined. This will happen through decrees of all kinds which will make people so indecisive and fearful that they will comply with all orders and even throw their own views overboard because they fear earthly power. People who have become knowledgeable through God's immense love must openly stand up for the teaching of Jesus Christ, and they must not allow themselves to be put off by any measures or threats, but their will must become active and remain with what their heart proclaims to them as truth, and they must also live according to this truth on earth. But such a life is usually uncomfortable for people and therefore they easily give in, they give in to the old faith and allow themselves to be persuaded of something which is contrary to divine faith. This is a test that a person can pass if he consults God at all times and commends himself to Him and His grace. But he must never sacrifice his free will. What once appears to him as truth he must hold on to and defend with conviction; but those people who give up their own conviction without a fight are weak and unresisting and do not deserve the love with which God cares for each individual, for they betray Him for the sake of earthly success and their will takes a wrong path....

amen

Translated by Doris Boekers