[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 161 (Friday, October 7, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMENDING KAZAKHSTAN FOR HOSTING THE SEVENTH CONGRESS ON WORLD AND 
                         TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 2022

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, today I would like to commend President 
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the Republic of Kazakhstan for hosting the 
seventh Congress on World and Traditional Religions.
  This year was the largest such forum to date with more than 100 
delegations from over 50 nations, with a focus of a post-pandemic 
world. It was a historic event and included representatives from most 
major faiths including Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and 
others. Notably, Pope Francis made his first appearance at the Congress 
on World and Traditional Religions and Israel's Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi 
David Lau attended.
  Madam Speaker, at a tumultuous time in the world, this event was an 
important opportunity for faith leaders to work to promote and protect 
freedom of religious expression and worship in all nations.
  Notably, it included a panel that focused on the role faiths play in 
supporting the social status of women; the panel specifically discussed 
ways faiths around the world can bolster women and families. The 
opportunity to discuss these very important issues was a welcome 
addition.
  I would also like to acknowledge the Declaration of VII Congress of 
the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which was adopted at 
the Congress on September 15th.
  I commend these types of gatherings and the Republic of Kazakhstan 
for again hosting this event and promoting a robust and meaningful 
dialogue among many faith leaders from around the world.

                          ____________________