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Alex Cochran, Deseret News The heartbeat of this nation is our unwavering commitment to religious freedom — the ability to pray and worship without persecution. The following remarks are adapted from a speech given by Sen. Mike Lee on Oct. 18 at the Heritage Foundation on the 30th anniversary of the passage of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. It’s a cause that began before America was even a glimmer in the eyes of our Founding Fathers. The early settlers who set foot on these shores brought with them dreams of a new life. Their hope was not just for wealth or opportunity, but the simple dream to pray and exercise their religion in peace. The ink was barely dry on our Declaration of Independence when Jefferson, Madison, Franklin and others realized that the heartbeat of this nation would be its unwavering commitment to religious freedom . Their vision, crystallized in the First Amendment, became a cornerstone of our great Republic. As our nation expanded, so did our embrace of religious freedom. We saw faith not as a monolith, but as a diverse, dynamic force shaping communities from the bustling streets of New York to the serene valleys of Utah. […]