Comprehension:

In the following passage some of the words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.

"I am proud to (1)___ to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance (2)_____ universal acceptance," he declared (3)____ September 11, 1893. "We believe not only in universal toleration, (4) _____ we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belon to a nation which has sheltered the prosecuted and the (5)_____ of all religions and nations of the earth."

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.

belong 

- The complete sentence is: "I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance

- The sentence requires a verb that expresses the act of being a member of a religion. The most appropriate verb to use in this context is "belong," which indicates affiliation or membership.