[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 17, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H1337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IMPRISONED CHINESE PASTOR XU YONGZE

  (Mr. DeLAY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, this week marks the second anniversary of the 
imprisonment of Pastor Xu Yongze by the Communist authorities in China. 
Today also marks the fifth time I have come to the floor to urge the 
Chinese Government to release this decent man of God.
  Last week, I met with the Chinese Ambassador to once again raise my 
disappointment with China's refusal to release Pastor Xu, who is often 
called the ``Billy Graham'' of China. Unfortunately, the Chinese still 
cling to the belief that Pastor Xu is a cult leader because he believes 
in a judgment day. But, Mr. Speaker, the belief in a judgment day is a 
basic tenet of Christianity, a belief held by billions of Christians 
around the world, including myself. Now that would be one big cult.
  Pastor Xu is a respected and honorable man and one incredibly brave 
Christian. So once again I ask President Jiang Zemin to release Pastor 
Xu, as I humbly ask my colleagues and fellow Americans to remember 
Pastor Xu in their prayers.

                          ____________________