[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 24, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H7736]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  END RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION WORLDWIDE

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Americans and, in particular, 
every Member of Congress to join in recognizing the International Day 
of Prayer this coming Sunday for those persecuted for their faith 
around the world.
  Our country was founded on the principles of inalienable rights. 
Central among them was the right to choose and practice one's faith in 
God. Today, thousands around the globe still must flee their home 
countries because of severe persecution for practicing their beliefs.
  Many international human rights agencies report that in the 1990's 
severe religious persecution continues at an intolerable rate. In China 
and Vietnam, pastors have frequently been arrested and beaten. In 
Mexico, believers have been murdered by mobs. In Egypt and Pakistan, 
young women have been raped and beaten. In China, churches have been 
bulldozed. In Saudi Arabia, Christians have been tortured. In the 
Sudan, children have been forced to convert to Islam in order to 
receive food rations. All this because of their faith in God.
  We who live in freedom cannot be idle spectators to such widespread 
injustice. I urge all Members to join in the work to end religious 
persecution worldwide.

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