[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H8812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IMPRISONED CHINESE PASTOR XU

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Texas [Mr. DeLay] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, now and then an occasion will occur to 
shatter our complacency, stir our indignation and seize us with 
outrage. Too often we take our priceless freedoms in America for 
granted, but a recent event in China symbolizes the stark contrast 
between liberty and tyranny.
  On September 25, a court in China sentenced Pastor Xu Yongze to 10 
years in prison. Pastor Xu, the leader of a movement of more than 3 
million Christians in China, was charged with the so-called crime of 
disrupting public order.
  Mr. Speaker, this charge would be laughable were it not so cruel. 
Pastor Xu is often described as the Billy Graham of China, and he is 
one of the most well known and widely respected pastors in China.
  The Communist authorities first arrested him back in March and 
engaged in a vicious smear campaign. Their propaganda described Pastor 
Xu as an evil cult abettor who plays evil tricks on his parishioners. 
In reality Pastor Xu is a sincere, devout believer who only seeks to 
serve his Lord and spread the gospel. We have seen this so many times 
in Communist countries, whether it be Cuba or Nicaragua or Russia, but 
it is particularly gruesome in China.
  Persecution and imprisonment are nothing new for Pastor Xu. In 1988, 
on the day before he was scheduled to meet with Dr. Billy Graham in 
China, Pastor Xu was arrested and spent the next three years in prison. 
Following his release, he courageously resumed his ministry activities.
  Reliable reports indicate that Pastor Xu has been beaten and tortured 
while in prison, and from what we know of the heinous conditions in 
China's prison labor camps, I fear that his treatment may only worsen.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe in a comprehensive, balanced and sophisticated 
approach in American policy towards China. I believe in trade 
engagement, a patient dialogue with China. But I also believe in 
liberty and justice. The time has come to speak out with force against 
China's outrageous assault on Pastor Xu, human dignity and religious 
freedom. The values that America stands for and my own conscience 
demand nothing less.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no doubt that my words today may upset some 
members of the Chinese government. Let me tell my colleagues, I do not 
care. Let me remind them that I and many others in America have been 
very patient, and our patience has worn thin, worn very thin.
  In May, I quietly wrote to the Chinese Ambassador to politely express 
my concern over Pastor Xu's arrest. He remained in prison. In June, I 
led a bipartisan coalition of 44 of my colleagues in writing to 
President Jiang Zemin, further politely expressing our concern about 
Pastor Xu. Again, he remained in prison, and we never even received the 
courtesy of a reply.
  In July, August and September, I sponsored and encouraged quiet 
discussions with Chinese officials about Pastor Xu's situation. Not 
only did Pastor Xu remain in prison, but the Chinese regime has now 
given him a 10-year sentence, which I am told is the harshest sentence 
handed down to a Christian in China since 1982.
  Meanwhile, Mr. Speaker, President Jiang Zemin will be arriving in the 
United States in just a few weeks. I really look forward to the Chinese 
President's visit. I believe it presents me with an opportunity for 
dialogue, strong dialogue, and cooperation on issues of mutual interest 
and concern to the United States and to China.
  But I must say, Mr. Speaker, that I am so upset and puzzled by this 
horrific sentence on such contrived charges that were given to Pastor 
Xu. Such brazen disregard for American concerns causes me to question 
China's commitment to a positive, constructive relationship with the 
United States. As China modernizes its economy, refines its political 
system and seeks to fully participate in the marketplace of nations, I 
frankly do not understand why its leadership continues to insist on 
persecuting innocent people of faith.
  I guarantee my colleagues, I personally will make sure that President 
Zemin's trip here to the United States will not be a happy one.
  So, Mr. Speaker, China finds itself at a crossroads. Pastor Xu has 
been sentenced, but reports indicate that his case may come up for 
appeal. On the eve of President Jiang Zemin's visit, I believe that the 
Chinese government has a valuable opportunity to demonstrate its 
commitment to the rule of law and to positive relations with the United 
States.
  As Pastor Xu's case comes up for review, I believe it would be a very 
meaningful gesture if the Chinese government were to guarantee that 
Pastor Xu's constitutional rights are respected, that his personal 
welfare is ensured, and his situation is favorably resolved.
  Mr. Speaker, let me close by simply quoting an earnest plea from 
Pastor Xu's son:

       Dear friends, I hope that you can help my father. For God 
     and for the church he has sacrificed all that he had. The 
     church in China needs him.

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