[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 17, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H1340]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RELEASE IMPRISONED CHINESE PASTOR XU YONGZE

  (Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I would like to add my voice to 
that of the House majority whip who spoke earlier calling for the 
release of Pastor Xu in China.
  It is indeed sad that, as we find ourselves just 1 year away from the 
21st century, there are still places in this world where a person can 
be locked away merely for expressing their faith in God. Mr. Speaker, 
Pastor Xu serves as a reminder to us all of how precious our freedom 
truly is, especially our freedom to worship as we choose.
  The Chinese government claims that Pastor Xu is dangerous merely 
because he believes in a judgment day. Well, Mr. Speaker, I do not find 
that crazy or dangerous. A belief in judgment day is a basic belief not 
just of Christians but of so many religions around the world.
  This week Pastor Xu begins his third straight year in prison simply 
for preaching the gospel. If the Chinese are serious about 
strengthening the ties between our two countries, they must learn to 
respect religious freedom.
  I urge President Jiang Zemin, please, release Pastor Xu and let him 
return to his family.

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