RELIGION see also Churches and Synagogues

Addresses

Future of Religious Minorities in the Middle East: Representative Wolf, E914–E916 [19JN]

New Non-Resident Ambassadors to the Holy See—Kyrgyzstan, Antigua and Barbuda, Luxeumbourg and Botswana: Pope Francis, S3561 [16MY]

Protect Religious Freedom: Representative Wolf, E1745–E1747 [21NO]

——— Timothy M. Dolan, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, E1658 [14NO]

Amendments

Dept. of Defense: permit the performance of religious services on military property by military chaplains and other personnel during a lapse in appropriations (H. Con. Res. 58), S7387, S7388 [10OC], H6642 [16OC]

Iran: condemn persecution of Baha’is and continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights, impose sanctions for such violations, and call for release of religious prisoners (S. Res. 75), S9111 [20DE]

Articles and editorials

Anti-Christian Terror Is Everyone’s Concern, E1615 [30OC]

Faith & Family—The Center of a Military Spouse DC Circuit Nominee, S7701 [31OC]

Inquiry Into IRS Investigations of Churches Is Sought, S3403 [14MY]

Make No Mistake, It Was Jihad, H2243 [23AP]

One Christian Killed Every 11 Minutes—UK Parliament Is Told Christianity Is ‘‘Most Persecuted Religion’’ (excerpt), H7563 [5DE]

Pentagon Confirms May Court Martial Soldiers Who Share Christian Faith (excerpt), H2425 [6MY]

Persecution of Christians in the Middle East (excerpt), H7563 [5DE]

Religious Battle Lines (excerpt), H2426 [6MY]

Richmond Round Church Turns 200, Celebrations Abound, S4015 [7JN]

Senator John McCain Attacks Intellect of Rep. Louie Gohmert Over Syrian Terrorists (excerpt), H7563, H7564 [5DE]

Bills and resolutions

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (organization): anniversary (see S. Res. 299), S8186 [19NO]

Arab countries: call for protection of religious minority rights and freedoms and urge repeal of blasphemy laws (see S. Res. 69), S1270 [7MR] (see H. Res. 106), H1357 [12MR]

Armed Forces: ensure every military chaplain has the prerogative to close a prayer outside of a religious service according to the dictates of the chaplain’s own conscience (see H.R. 343), H222 [22JA]

——— ensure repeal of ‘‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’’ does not infringe upon the free exercise of religion and rights of conscience of members, including chaplains (see H.R. 914), H815 [28FE]

Bosnia and Herzegovina: designate Presidential Special Envoy to the Balkans to evaluate successes and shortcomings of the Dayton Peace Accords implementation (see S. Res. 131), S3256 [8MY]

Burma: call for an end to the persecution of the Rohingya people and respect of internationally recognized human rights for all ethnic and religious minority groups (see H. Res. 418), H7187 [18NO]

Capitol Building and Grounds: display plaque in National Statuary Hall recognizing Christian church services in the Capitol from 1800 to 1868, including attendees James Madison and Thomas Jefferson (see H.R. 1586), H2066 [16AP]

Catholic Schools Week: recognize goals and honor contributions of Catholic schools (see S. Res. 22), S400 [30JA] (see H. Res. 46), H281 [23JA]

China: call for an end to organ harvesting from prisoners, investigate organ transplant practices, end persecution of the Falun Gong, and issue warnings to U.S. citizens about organ transplant practices (see H. Res. 281), H4143 [27JN]

——— recognize anniversary of Tiananmen Square massacre, condemn continued persecution of political dissent and religious minorities, and release political prisoners, including Wang Bingzhang (see H. Res. 245), H3095 [4JN]

Christmas Day: express that the symbols and traditions of Christmas should be protected for use by those who celebrate Christmas (see H. Res. 448), H8126 [19DE]

Courts: constitutional amendment to prohibit basing legal opinions or rulings on foreign laws, treaties, or religious laws (see H.J. Res. 54), H5050 [24JY]

Dept. of Agriculture: increase purchase of Kosher and Halal food and modify labeling of the commodities list under the Emergency Food Assistance Program to assist food banks in obtaining such foods (see S. 811), S3028 [25AP] (see H.R. 1794), H2392 [26AP]

Dept. of Defense: permit the performance of religious services on military property by military chaplains and other personnel during a lapse in appropriations (see H. Con. Res. 58), H6322 [5OC]

Dept. of HHS: exempt employers from taxes, penalties, or suits for failure to offer insurance coverage for certain women’s preventive services on the basis of religious belief or moral conviction (see H.R. 973), H982 [5MR]

——— provide grants to health agencies and community and faith-based organizations for HIV/AIDS education, outreach, research and testing activities in minority communities (see S. 1408), S6126 [31JY] (see H.R. 2893), H5260 [31JY]

Dept. of State: establish Special Envoy To Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia (see S. 653), S2328 [22MR] (see H.R. 301), H170 [15JA]

——— establish the Muhammad Ali Legacy Grant Program to promote global respect, understanding, and communication (see H.R. 305), H170 [15JA]

——— list Vietnam as a ‘‘Country of Particular Concern’’ relative to religious freedom (see H. Res. 218), H2717 [16MY]

Dept. of the Interior: conduct a special resource study of sites associated with the 1657 signing of the Flushing Remonstrance in Queens, NY (see H.R. 3222), H6052 [30SE]

Disasters: clarify that houses of worship are eligible for certain disaster relief and emergency assistance on terms equal to other eligible private nonprofit facilities (see H.R. 592), H430 [8FE]

Discrimination: condemn discrimination, hate crimes, racism, bigotry, bullying and brutal violence perpetrated against Sikh-Americans, and all acts of vandalism against Sikh Gurdwaras in the U.S. (see H. Res. 328), H5399 [2AU]

Families and domestic relations: prevent adverse treatment of any person on the basis of views held with respect to marriage (see S. 1808), S8771 [12DE] (see H.R. 3133), H5765 [19SE]

Federal agencies and departments: prohibit the revocation or withholding of Federal funds to programs whose participants carry out voluntary religious activities (see S. 1279), S5667 [11JY] (see H.R. 2926), H5342 [1AU]

Foreign aid: limit assistance to countries that engage in certain discriminatory religious, educational, or freedom of movement practices (see H.R. 652), H500 [13FE]

Germany: anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass (see S. Res. 290), S7952 [12NO]

Gospel Music Heritage Month: designate (see H.J. Res. 3), H32 [3JA]

Health: protect rights of conscience relative to requirements for coverage of specific items and services and prohibit certain abortion-related discrimination in government activities (see S. 1204), S4792 [20JN] (see H.R. 940), H949 [4MR]

Hinduism: issue commemorative postage stamp honoring the holiday of Diwali (see H. Res. 47), H293 [25JA]

——— recognize the holiday of Diwali (see S. Res. 277), S7674 [30OC] (see H. Res. 386), H6675 [22OC]

Immigration: provide for admission to the U.S. of certain Tibetans (see H.R. 2080), H2838 [21MY]

India: praise religious diversity and commitment to tolerance and equality, and reaffirm need to protect the rights and freedoms of religious minorities (see H. Res. 417), H7187 [18NO]

Indonesia: allow Indonesian citizens fleeing religious persecution to file a motion to reopen their asylum claims (see S. 295), S707 [13FE] (see H.R. 665), H501 [13FE]

Iran: call for release of Saeed Abedini and condemn persecution of religious minorities (see H. Res. 147), H1909 [10AP]

——— call for release of Saeed Abedini and others detained due to their religious beliefs (see S. Res. 284), S7729 [31OC]

——— condemn persecution of Baha’is and continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights, impose sanctions for such violations, and call for release of religious prisoners (see S. Res. 75), S1710 [12MR] (see H. Res. 109), H1357 [12MR]

——— condition meeting between President Obama and Hassan Rouhani on Iran’s affirming Israel’s right to exist as Jewish state and release of U.S. citizens unjustly detained (see S. Res. 252), S6753 [24SE]

——— observe Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, acknowledge the Cyrus Cylinder as a symbol of respect for human rights and religious tolerance, and recognize U.S. tour of the Cyrus Cylinder (see H. Res. 130), H1719 [20MR]

——— prevent acquisition of nuclear weapons, dismantle production facilities, allow inspections, suspend support for terrorists and Syria, reduce human rights violations, and allow additional sanctions (see H. Res. 445), H8109 [12DE]

Iraq: recognize the campaign of genocide against the Kurdish people in Iraq and reaffirm U.S. friendship with such people (see H. Res. 422), H7252 [19NO]

IRS: prohibit asking taxpayers questions relative to religious, political, or social beliefs (see H.R. 2531), H4141 [27JN]

Israel: Jerusalem reunification (see H. Con. Res. 48), H5344 [1AU]

Judge, Mychal: award Congressional Gold Medal posthumously (see H.R. 1224), H1548 [15MR]

Monuments and memorials: ensure that memorials commemorating the service of the U.S. Armed Forces may contain religious symbols (see S. 705), S2589 [11AP] (see H.R. 1497), H1955 [11AP]

Oak Creek, WI: recognize anniversary and condemn shootings at Sikh Temple of Wisconsin and express condolences to victims’ families and friends and gratitude to responders to the shootings (see S. Res. 209), S6127 [31JY] (see H. Res. 334), H5399 [2AU]

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: allow coverage of church plans (see S. 1164), S4481 [13JN]

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: tribute (see H. Res. 120), H1548 [15MR]

Pope Francis: congratulate on election and recognize inspirational statements and actions (see H. Res. 440), H7687 [11DE]

——— tribute (see H. Res. 120), H1548 [15MR]

Prayer: constitutional amendment clarifying that the Constitution neither prohibits voluntary prayer nor requires prayer in schools (see H.J. Res. 42), H2393 [26AP]

Ramadan: recognize Islamic holy month and commend Muslims for their faith (see H. Res. 289), H4213 [8JY]

Schneier, Arthur: award Congressional Gold Medal (see H.R. 2387), H3653 [14JN]

Schools: express support for prayer at school board meetings (see S. Res. 11), S214 [23JA] (see H. Res. 250), H3251 [6JN]

Sikhism: honor celebration of Vaisakhi (see H. Res. 157), H1992 [12AP]

Syria: call on opposition to outline a vision of inclusion for all people, support development of transitional justice, and urge respect for international humanitarian law and preservation of minorities (see H. Res. 223), H2774 [17MY]

Taxation: clarify tax treatment of church pension plans (see S. 952), S3430 [14MY]

——— establish Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund to receive payments of taxpayers conscientiously opposed to war, ensure that such revenue is used for non-military purposes, and improve revenue collection (see H.R. 2483), H4037 [25JN]

——— make members of health care sharing ministries eligible to establish health savings accounts (see H.R. 207), H52 [4JA]

——— permit churches and other houses of worship to engage in political campaigns (see H.R. 127), H31 [3JA]

——— provide an additional religious exemption from the individual health coverage mandate (see S. 862), S3091 [6MY] (see H.R. 1814), H2393 [26AP]

Turkey: urge reopening of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Theological School of Halki without condition or further delay (see H. Res. 188), H2393 [26AP]

——— urge respect for the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (see H. Res. 136), H1825 [21MR]

Wilmington, DE: tribute to August Quarterly Festival (see S. Res. 199), S5969 [25JY]

Biographies

Jackson, Don, H2307 [25AP]

Books

‘‘Holy Bible’’ (Proverbs) (excerpt), S6732 [24SE]

Letters

Actions Federal Government could take to address climate change: Cassandra Carmichael, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (excerpt), S1925 [19MR]

——— Friends Committee on National Legislation (excerpt), S1925 [19MR]

——— Mitchell C. Hescox, Evangelical Environmental Network (excerpt), S1925 [19MR]

——— Sally Bingham, Regeneration Project Interfaith Power & Light (organization), S1926 [19MR]

——— Stephen E. Blaire, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, S1924 [19MR]

——— Sybil Sanchez, Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life and Steve Gutow, Jewish Council for Public Affairs (excerpt), S1924 [19MR]

Call for release of Saeed Abedini from Iran: Billy Graham, E1390 [27SE]

Dept. of State Special Envoy To Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia establishment: Representative Wolf, E45 [22JA]

FBI field offices investigated for violations relative to the Council on American-Islamic Relations: Representative Wolf, E1350 [19SE]

Federal Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Fairness Act: Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel of America (organization), H470 [13FE]

——— Alan Dershowitz, Harvard Law School, H469 [13FE]

——— Carl H. Esbeck, University of Missouri School of Law, E144 [14FE]

——— Christine C. Quinn, Peter F. Vallone, Jr., and Fernando Cabrera, New York, NY, City Council, H470 [13FE]

——— David M. O’Connell, Trenton, NJ, Diocese, H477 [13FE]

——— Douglas Laycock, University of Virginia School of Law, H469 [13FE]

——— Eric C. Rassbach and Daniel Blomberg, Becket Fund for Religious Liberty (organization), H478 [13FE]

——— Galen Carey, National Association of Evangelicals, H477 [13FE]

——— Laura W. Murphy and Dena Sher, ACLU, H471 [13FE]

——— Maggie Garrett, Americans United for Separation of Church and State (organization), H471 [13FE]

——— Marc D. Stern and Richard T. Foltin, American Jewish Committee, H469 [13FE]

——— Nan Futrell, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (organization), H472 [13FE]

——— Ruth Cole and Jacob Toporek, New Jersey State Association of Jewish Federations, H476 [13FE]

——— Samuel Tendler, Congregation Sons of Israel, Lakewood, NJ, H477 [13FE]

——— Suhag A. Shukla, Hindu American Foundation, H472 [13FE]

——— Tom McClusky, Family Research Council, H470 [13FE]

——— William C. Daroff, Jewish Federations of North America, H477 [13FE]

——— William E. Lori and Denis J. Madden, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, H476 [13FE]

——— William Murphy, Rockville Centre, NY, Diocese, H468 [13FE]

——— Yehuda Neuberger and Nathan J. Diament, Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, H476 [13FE]

——— Yisroel Schenkolewski, Bais Kaila Torah Preparatory High School for Girls, Lakewood, NJ, H477 [13FE]

Human rights violations in Vietnam: Representative Wolf, E1038 [10JY]

Immigration reform: David Fleming (excerpt), H2345 [25AP]

——— David Uth (excerpt), H2345 [25AP]

——— Jose Gomez, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (excerpt), H2345 [25AP]

——— Laurie Coskey, Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice and Pedro Rios, San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium and American Friends Service Committee (excerpt), H2118 [17AP]

——— Mark Potter (excerpt), H2117 [17AP]

——— Richard Land (excerpt), H2118 [17AP], H2344 [25AP]

——— Ron Stern, H2343 [25AP]

——— Samuel Rodriguez, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (excerpt), H2345 [25AP]

——— Scott Santarosa (excerpt), H2116 [17AP]

——— Sean Carroll, Kino Border Initiative (organization) (excerpt), H2034 [16AP], H2116 [17AP]

——— several religious organizations, H2344 [25AP]

Protect rights of conscience relative to requirements for health insurance coverage of specific items and services: David Green, Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., S6774 [24SE]

U.S. policy on Sudan: several human rights organizations, E426 [11AP]

Memorandums

Federal Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Fairness Act: Nathan J. Diament, Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, H474–H476 [13FE]

——— UJA-Federation of New York, H469 [13FE]

Poems

‘‘Cold Within,’’ J. Patrick Kinney, H4854 [22JY]

Proclamations

Chief Apostle Robert L. Williams, Sr., Day: Representative Henry C. ‘‘Hank’’ Johnson, Jr., E122 [12FE]

Greenforest Community Baptist Church Day: Representative Henry C. ‘‘Hank’’ Johnson, Jr., E1446 [7OC]

Hillcrest Church of Christ Day: Representative Henry C. ‘‘Hank’’ Johnson, Jr., E1292 [11SE]

Reverend Dr. Noel Battle and Mrs. Martha Battle Day: Representative Henry C. ‘‘Hank’’ Johnson, Jr., E668 [15MY]

Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church Day: Representative Henry C. ‘‘Hank’’ Johnson, Jr., E131 [12FE]

Springfield Missionary Baptist Church Day: Representative Henry C. ‘‘Hank’’ Johnson, Jr., E1447 [7OC]

The Way, The Truth and the Life Christian Center, Inc. Day: Representative Henry C. ‘‘Hank’’ Johnson, Jr., E1290 [11SE]

Remarks in House

Aberdeen, NJ: anniversary of Temple Beth Ahm, E563 [26AP]

——— anniversary of Temple Shalom, E205 [27FE]

Adrian, MI: anniversary of Lenawee Christian Family Centre, E1859 [12DE]

Afton, MN: anniversary of St. Peter Lutheran Church, E1704 [19NO]

Allentown, PA: anniversary of Sacred Heart Hospital, E588 [3MY]

American Muslim Alliance of Florida: tribute, E761 [23MY]

Anniston, AL: anniversary of Eulaton Baptist Church, E844 [11JN]

Anti-Semitism: condemn, E442 [12AP]

Arizona: exclude Native American sacred and cultural sites from a Federal land exchange with Resolution Copper Mining (company) for a mining project, H5852, H5857–H5860 [26SE]

Armed Forces: ensure every military chaplain has the prerogative to close a prayer outside of a religious service according to the dictates of the chaplain’s own conscience, E1725 [21NO]

——— ensure free exercise of religion, H2639 [15MY], H4588 [17JY], H5421, H5423 [9SE], H7097–H7103 [14NO], E1273 [10SE]

——— ensure repeal of ‘‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’’ does not infringe upon the free exercise of religion and rights of conscience of members, including chaplains, H5410 [9SE]

Asbury Park, NJ: anniversary of Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, E1491 [11OC]

Belzoni, MS: anniversary of Green Grove M.B. Church, E1793 [5DE]

Bethesda, MD: tribute to St. George Greek Orthodox Church Greek Orthodox Youth of America chapter, E358 [21MR]

B’nai B’rith International: anniversary, E1475 [10OC], E1487 [11OC]

——— tribute to Great Lakes Region chapter, E1475 [10OC]

Boca Raton, FL: anniversary of Young Israel of Boca Raton, E218 [28FE]

Bolton, MS: tribute to Brownsville Missionary Baptist Church, E1284 [11SE]

——— tribute to Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, E1286 [11SE]

Boy Scouts: anniversary of partnership with Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, E1562 [23OC]

Bristol, PA: anniversary of Community Baptist Church, E1046 [11JY]

——— tribute to St. Mark Roman Catholic School, E229 [28FE]

Bronx, NY: anniversary of Riverdale Temple, E785 [4JN]

Brooklyn, NY: anniversary of Full Gospel Assembly Church, E1500 [11OC]

Buffalo, NY: anniversary of Mount Olive Baptist Church, E1831 [11DE]

Burma: call for an end to the persecution of the Rohingya people and respect of internationally recognized human rights for all ethnic and religious minority groups (H. Res. 418), E1695 [18NO]

Cairn University: anniversary, E1795 [5DE]

Cannonsburg, MS: anniversary of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, E1796 [5DE]

Carthage, MS: tribute to Greenwood Chapel United Methodist Church, E1311 [12SE]

Cary, MS: tribute to Mount Zion Baptist Church, E1322 [17SE]

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston: anniversary, H6489 [10OC]

Catholic Schools Week: recognize goals and honor contributions of Catholic schools (H. Res. 46), H347 [5FE]

Central Falls, RI: anniversary of St. Ephraim’s Syriac Orthodox Church, E1725 [21NO]

Chatham, NJ: anniversary of St. Patrick Parish, E62 [25JA]

Chicago, IL: anniversary of Marist High School, E1443 [4OC]

——— anniversary of Pilgrim Baptist Church, E1274 [10SE]

China: human rights violations, H3233 [6JN], E818 [6JN]

Christianity: importance, H4480 [11JY], H5797–H5800 [20SE]

Christians: address global persecution, H7562–H7565 [5DE], H7674 [11DE]

Ciampi, Lou, Sr.: Italian American Association of Luzerne County, PA, Person of the Year award recipient, E1489 [11OC]

Climate: global warming, H2660 [16MY], H2751 [17MY], H3027, H3088, H3091 [4JN], H3341, H3347 [12JN]

Columbus, GA: anniversary of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, E302 [14MR]

——— anniversary of Greater St. Mark A.M.E. Church, E1795 [5DE]

——— anniversary of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, E1199 [1AU]

——— anniversary of St. James A.M.E. Church, E1679 [15NO]

——— anniversary of St. James Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, E480 [17AP]

Community Christian Action (organization): anniversary, E173 [25FE]

Congress: express importance of prayer in resolving Government shutdown, H6464 [10OC]

——— National Prayer Breakfast, H329–H331 [4FE], H395 [6FE]

Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions: anniversary, E552 [25AP]

Constitution—U.S.: history and explanation of ‘‘separation of church and State’’, H2382 [26AP]

Crime: improve enforcement of hate crimes, H4010 [25JN]

Crown Point, IN: anniversary of First United Methodist Church, E1472 [10OC]

——— anniversary of Sts. Peter and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral, E894 [17JN]

Crystal Springs, MS: anniversary of Brushy Creek Missionary Baptist Church, E1299 [12SE]

Danville, IL: anniversary of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, E658 [14MY]

Darling, MS: tribute to St. John Missionary Baptist Church, E1281 [11SE]

Denver (CO) Intermountain Jewish News: anniversary, E147 [14FE]

Dept. of Defense: accommodate beliefs, actions, or speech of servicemembers as long as no actual harm occurs, H3336 [12JN]

——— expand Chaplain Corps to include persons ordained by non-theistic organizations and institutions, H3600, H3601, H3649 [14JN]

——— permit the performance of religious services on military property by military chaplains and other personnel during a lapse in appropriations, H7103 [14NO]

——— permit the performance of religious services on military property by military chaplains and other personnel during a lapse in appropriations (H. Con. Res. 58), H6293–H6296 [5OC]

——— permit the performance of religious services on military property by military chaplains and other personnel during a lapse in appropriations (H. Con. Res. 58), Senate amendments, H6642 [16OC]

——— prohibit funding for appointment of atheist chaplains, H4941–H4943 [23JY], E1121 [24JY]

——— reevaluate relationship with anti-religion activist Mikey Weinstein, H4011 [25JN]

——— submit report to Congress on meetings between employees and civilians relative to developing military policy on religious liberty, H3531 [13JN]

——— support religious freedom of servicemembers, E1714 [20NO]

Dept. of HHS: ensure religious conscience protections relative to insurance coverage of certain women’s preventive health services, H5421 [9SE]

Dept. of Homeland Security: prohibit funding to be used in contravention of First, Second, or Fourth Amendments to the Constitution, H3192 [5JN], E873–E875 [14JN], E900 [17JN]

——— prohibit racial, ethnic, or religous profiling, H3212, H3213 [5JN]

Dept. of State: establish Special Envoy To Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia (H.R. 301), H5564–H5567 [17SE], H7561 [5DE], E31 [15JA], E284 [13MR], E1330 [18SE], E1615 [30OC]

——— list Vietnam as a ‘‘Country of Particular Concern’’ relative to religious freedom (H. Res. 218), E1037 [10JY]

Dept. of the Interior: conduct a special resource study of sites associated with the 1657 signing of the Flushing Remonstrance in Queens, NY (H.R. 3222), H7610 [10DE]

Detroit, MI: anniversary of New Liberty Baptist Church, E1412 [1OC]

Disasters: clarify that houses of worship are eligible for certain disaster relief and emergency assistance on terms equal to other eligible private nonprofit facilities (H.R. 592), H465–H480 [13FE], E143, E153 [14FE], E161 [15FE], E174 [25FE]

District of Columbia: anniversary of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, E1078 [17JY]

Dos Palos, CA: anniversary of Festa do Divino Espirito Santo, E622 [8MY]

Dowling Park, FL: anniversary of Advent Christian Village, H1423 [14MR]

Edwards, MS: tribute to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, E1283 [11SE]

Egypt: condemn and address persecution of religious minorities, H4085 [27JN]

——— religious persecution of Christians, H6913 [30OC]

Fairfield, NJ: anniversary of St. Thomas More Parish, E448 [12AP]

FBI: national security impact of efforts to combat anti-Muslim rhetoric, H2383–H2385 [26AP], H2769–H2771 [17MY]

Finucane, Patrick: urge full and impartial inquiry into murder of human rights lawyer by British-loyalist paramilitaries, E678 [16MY]

Foreign countries: call for release of all prisoners of conscience and condemn persecution of religious minorities, H4865 [23JY]

Foreign policy: analysis of radical Islamic fundamentalism as new global threat, H2242–H2244 [23AP], H2382 [26AP]

——— condemn political correctness as a potential threat to national security, H3650 [14JN]

——— political correctness as a potential threat to national security, H2383 [26AP], H2769–H2771 [17MY]

Fort Walton Beach, FL: anniversary of Beulah First Baptist Church, E1520 [16OC]

Frederick, MD: anniversary of New Life Christian School, E455 [15AP]

Freedom of religion: ensure, H2425 [6MY], H7034–H7036 [13NO]

——— reaffirm importance of religion, H3649 [14JN]

——— reaffirm importance of religion and freedom to exercise beliefs peacefully, H328–H333 [4FE], H1902–H1904 [10AP], H5419–H5425 [9SE]

Fresno, CA: anniversary of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church Blessing of the Grapes ceremony, E1255 [9SE]

——— anniversary of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, E1729 [21NO]

Gilliland, Ben: General Council of the Assemblies of God Royal Ranger Gold Medal of Achievement award recipient, E200 [27FE]

Great Neck, NY: anniversary of St. Aloysius Church, H4179 [8JY]

Guam: anniversary of Father Duenas Memorial School, E1411 [1OC]

Hampton, VA: anniversary of First Baptist Church of Hampton, E1544 [22OC], E1611 [30OC]

Hamtramck, MI: tribute to renaming of Caniff St., segment in honor of Joseph R. Jordan, E565 [26AP]

Harwell, Beth: Operation Andrew Group (organization) Joe and Honey Rodgers Christian Civic Leader of the Year Award recipient, E1535 [22OC]

Hazlehurst, MS: tribute to Greater Damascus Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A., E1306 [12SE]

Health: protect rights of conscience relative to requirements for coverage of specific items and services, H6162 [2OC]

——— protect rights of conscience relative to requirements for coverage of specific items and services and prohibit certain abortion-related discrimination in government activities (H.R. 940), H955 [5MR], H1435 [15MR], H3106 [5JN], H3347–H3354 [12JN], E1727 [21NO]

Hickory, NC: tribute to Fallen Heroes Ministry, H7305 [20NO]

High Point, NC: tribute to High Point Christian Academy girls’ softball team, E911 [18JN]

Hindu American Foundation: tribute, H5418 [9SE]

Hinduism: issue commemorative postage stamp honoring the holiday of Diwali (H. Res. 47), H4608 [18JY], H5418 [9SE], E64 [25JA]

——— observance of the holiday of Diwali, H6835 [29OC]

History: historical impact of Judeo-Christian values, H975 [5MR], H5083–H5085 [25JY]

Hoppers (musical group): tribute, E1418 [2OC]

‘‘In God We Trust’’: reaffirm as the official motto of the U.S. and support and encourage its public display in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions, H328 [4FE]

India: praise religious diversity and commitment to tolerance and equality, and reaffirm need to protect the rights and freedoms of religious minorities (H. Res. 417), E1817 [9DE]

Indonesia: allow Indonesian citizens fleeing religious persecution to file a motion to reopen their asylum claims (H.R. 665), E136 [13FE]

Iran: call for release of Saeed Abedini and condemn persecution of religious minorities, H5054 [25JY], H5423 [9SE], H7035 [13NO], E1875 [16DE]

——— call for release of Saeed Abedini and condemn persecution of religious minorities (H. Res. 147), H3350 [12JN]

——— human rights violations, H4220 [9JY]

Iraq: anniversary of chemical weapons attack on Halabja, Kurdistan, E315 [15MR]

Jackson, GA: anniversary of Zion Missionary Baptist Church, E1456 [8OC], E1642 [13NO]

Jackson, MS: tribute to Anderson United Methodist Church, E1287 [11SE], E1310 [12SE]

——— tribute to Central United Methodist Church, E1304 [12SE]

——— tribute to College Hill Missionary Baptist Church, E1313 [12SE]

——— tribute to Farish Street Baptist Church, E1308 [12SE]

——— tribute to Morning Star Baptist Church, E1314 [12SE]

——— tribute to New Hope Baptist Church, E1294 [11SE]

——— tribute to Pearl Street African Methodist Episcopal Church, E1288 [11SE]

——— tribute to Pratt Memorial United Methodist Church, E1302 [12SE]

Jacksonville, NC: anniversary of Maranatha Baptist Church, E547 [25AP]

Jerusalem Day: observance, E622 [8MY]

Jewish American Heritage Month: observance, E591 [6MY]

Joliet, IL: anniversary of St. Patrick Catholic Church, E1251 [9SE]

Klayman, Larry E.: characterization of remarks about President Obama during demonstration over Government shutdown, H6589, H6590 [14OC]

Lambert, MS: tribute to Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, E1291 [11SE]

Lexington Park, MD: tribute to First Missionary Baptist Church, E385 [9AP]

Long Branch Concordance Family Success Center: anniversary, E87 [4FE]

Lorman, MS: tribute to Waterloo Missionary Baptist Church, E1808 [5DE]

Lyons, Yakov (Jason) and Ruchie: Young Israel of Boca Raton Journal Dinner honorees, E218 [28FE]

Mabank, TX: anniversary of Four Mile Lutheran Church, E564 [26AP]

Macon, GA: tribute to Kadva Patidar Samaj National Convention, E863 [14JN]

McLean, VA: anniversary of Shiloh Baptist Church, E1343 [19SE]

Merrillville, IN: anniversary of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, E663 [15MY]

Miami, FL: anniversary of Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School, E129 [12FE]

Middletown, CT: anniversary of Xavier High School, E1470 [9OC]

Mississippi College: anniversary, E1411 [1OC], E1590 [29OC]

Montclair, NJ: anniversary of Episcopal Church of St. Joseph, E1865 [12DE]

Mound Bayou, MS: tribute to Non-Denominational House of Prayer, E1293 [11SE], E1371 [25SE]

National Day of Prayer: observance, H2378 [26AP], E484 [17AP], E529 [24AP]

Newport, RI: anniversary of Touro Synagogue, H7457 [4DE]

Oak Creek, WI: anniversary of shootings at Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, H5272 [1AU]

——— recognize anniversary and condemn shootings at Sikh Temple of Wisconsin and express condolences to victims’ families and friends and gratitude to responders to the shootings (H. Res. 334), E1225 [2AU]

Obama, President: evaluation of human rights policies in Middle East, H4180 [8JY]

——— omission of ‘‘under God’’ from recitation of Gettysburg Address, H7343 [21NO]

Of One Accord Ministry (organization): anniversary, E1543 [22OC]

Ohio: tribute to African-American faith-based leaders, H672 [27FE]

Omaha, GA: anniversary of Mount Mariah Missionary Baptist Church, E622 [8MY]

One Million Bones (organization): tribute, E1093 [18JY]

Oppenheim, Jane E.: B’nai B’rith Amos Lodge No. 136 honoree, E698 [17MY]

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation: tribute to U.S. partnership, E1789 [4DE]

Orlando, FL: anniversary of Delaney Street Baptist Church, E1284 [11SE]

Pacific Grove, CA: anniversary of First United Methodist Church of Pacific Grove, E405 [10AP]

Pakistan: call for protection of religious minority rights and freedoms, H7009 [13NO]

——— human rights violations of Christians, H1416 [14MR]

——— prohibit funding for purposes of domestic repression of ethnic and religious minorities, E885 [17JN]

Parma, OH: anniversary of Holy Name High School, E1334 [18SE]

Parsippany, NJ: anniversary of St. Peter the Apostle Church, E1533 [22OC]

Pensacola, FL: anniversary of First Pentecostal Church, E1522 [16OC]

——— tribute to Pensacola Catholic High School baseball team, E848 [12JN]

Perth Amboy, NJ: anniversary of Assumption Catholic School, E1564 [23OC]

Philadelphia, PA: anniversary of Tyree African Methodist Episcopal Church, E1157 [30JY]

Phoenixville, PA: anniversary of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, E1483 [10OC]

Pilot Point, TX: anniversary of County Line First Baptist Church, E1447 [7OC]

Popular Bluff, MO: anniversary of Fellowship General Baptist Church, E1157 [30JY]

Prayer: importance, H328–H333 [4FE], H400 [6FE]

Randolph, NJ: anniversary of Mount Freedom Jewish Center, E436 [12AP]

Raymondville, TX: tribute to Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish students for participation in Diocese of Brownsville, TX, Mobile Journalist Project, E568 [26AP]

Rich Fountain, MO: anniversary of Sacred Heart Parish, E676 [16MY]

Riviera Beach, FL: anniversary of Hill Top Missionary Baptist Church, E1538 [22OC]

Roosevelt, Franklin D.: importance of Christmas holiday in Presidential messages and statements, H8099 [12DE]

Saginaw, MI: anniversary of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, E1181 [1AU]

Salinas, CA: anniversary of Temple Beth El, E1256 [9SE]

San Mateo, CA: anniversary of St. Matthew Catholic Church, E187 [26FE], E1245 [2AU], E1783 [3DE]

San Pedro, CA: anniversary of Temple Beth El, E262 [11MR]

Scarsdale, NY: anniversary of Hitchcock Presbyterian Church, E1910 [23DE]

Schneier, Arthur: award Congressional Gold Medal (H.R. 2387), E886 [17JN]

Schools: express support for prayer at school graduations, H6466 [10OC]

Shear, David B.: call for removal as Ambassador to Vietnam, E1037 [10JY]

Southern Poverty Law Center: allegations of religious persecution and intolerance, H5665 [19SE]

Sudan: anniversary of declaration of genocide, H2056 [16AP]

——— U.S. policy, E425 [11AP]

Supreme Court: hearing of arguments in Town of Greece, NY, v. Galloway relative to constitutionality of legislative prayer practice to open town meetings, H5410 [9SE]

——— condition receipt of U.S. support for opposition forces on implementation of plan to protect religious minorities, E978 [26JN]

——— protect rights of Christians, H5470 [10SE], H7398 [3DE]

Tea Party: condemn comments and use of Confederate flag at Tea Party rally, H6600 [15OC]

Terrorism: call on Islamic community to condemn terrorism, H3258 [11JN]

Toledo, OH: anniversary of Calvin United Church of Christ, E1402 [30SE]

Troy, MI: anniversary of St. George Orthodox Church, E1539 [22OC]

Turkey: urge respect for the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (H. Res. 136), E359 [21MR]

Turlock, CA: anniversary of Our Lady of the Assumption of the Portuguese Church, E1032 [9JY]

Union City, CA: anniversary of St. Anne Catholic Parish, H4991 [24JY]

Vicksburg, MS: tribute to King Solomon Baptist Church, E1320 [17SE]

Waterbury, CT: anniversary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, E1062 [16JY]

Westfield, IN: St. Maria Goretti Catholic School recipient of Dept. of Education Blue Ribbon Schools award, E1594 [29OC]

Weymouth, MA: anniversary of Sacred Heart School, E444 [12AP]

Wolf, Representative: report on trip to Lebanon and Egypt, E280–E285 [13MR]

Woodbridge, VA: anniversary of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Day School, E795 [4JN]

Yazoo City, MS: tribute to King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church, E1323 [17SE]

Remarks in Senate

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (organization): anniversary (S. Res. 299), S8812 [13DE]

Angulo Novoa, Alejandro: Di logo Inter-Agencial en Colombia (consortium) Human Rights Lifelong Defender award recipient, S7570 [28OC]

Catholic Schools Week: recognize goals and honor contributions of Catholic schools, S328 [28JA]

——— recognize goals and honor contributions of Catholic schools (S. Res. 22), S408 [30JA]

China: human rights violations, S4353 [12JN]

——— recognize plight of Tibetan people and call for an effort to bring about a durable and peaceful solution to the Tibet issue, S1888 [18MR]

Circleville, OH: anniversary of Crossroads Church, S6513 [17SE]

Civil rights: exempt religious organizations from regulations prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, S7894 [7NO]

——— include primarily secular activities of religious organizations in exemption from regulations prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, S7900–S7902 [7NO]

Climate: global warming, S3245 [8MY], S3563–S3565 [16MY], S3595–S3597 [20MY], S3947 [4JN], S4392–S4394 [12JN]

——— ideas from faith-based organizations on actions Federal Government could take to address climate change, S1923, S1926, S1927 [19MR]

Columbus, OH: anniversary of Jewish Center of Greater Columbus, S7612 [29OC]

Congress: National Prayer Breakfast, S484 [7FE]

——— permit the performance of religious services on military property by military chaplains and other personnel during a lapse in appropriations (H. Con. Res. 58), unanimous-consent request, S7327, S7328 [9OC]

——— prohibit funding to remove any portion of Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial in San Diego, CA, S8440 [21NO]

Dept. of State: establish Special Envoy To Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia (S. 653), S7612 [29OC]

East St. Louis, IL: tribute to Catholic Diocese of Belleville Catholic Urban Programs (CUP), S275 [24JA]

Employment: prevent government from penalizing religious employers that are exempt from prohibitions on employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, S7846–S7849, S7862, S7863 [6NO], S7904, S7906 [7NO]

Eureka Springs, AR: tribute to the Great Passion Play, S5836 [23JY]

Germany: anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass (S. Res. 290), S7964 [12NO]

Health: protect rights of conscience relative to requirements for coverage of specific items and services, S2268 [22MR], S6774 [24SE], S6926 [26SE], S6980 [27SE]

Hinduism: recognize the holiday of Diwali (S. Res. 277), S7800 [4NO]

History: historical impact of Judeo-Christian values, S6979 [27SE]

Iran: call for release of Saeed Abedini and others detained due to their religious beliefs (S. Res. 284), S8070 [14NO]

Monroe, LA: anniversary of St. Francis Medical Center, S5837 [23JY]

Pope Francis: address global financial system, S3561–S3563 [16MY]

Richmond, VT: anniversary of Round Church, S4015 [7JN]

Taxation: clarify tax treatment of church pension plans (S. 952), S3433 [14MY]

U.S. Air Force Academy: anniversary of Cadet Chapel, S6291 [9SE]

Wilmington, DE: tribute to August Quarterly Festival (S. Res. 199), S6259 [1AU]

Reports filed

Condemn Persecution of Baha’is and Continued Violation of International Covenants on Human Rights, Impose Sanctions, and Call for Release of Religious Prisoners in Iran: Committee on Foreign Relations (Senate) (S. Res. 75), S8975 [18DE]

Special Envoy To Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia Establishment: Committee on Foreign Relations (Senate) (S. 653), S8975 [18DE]

War Memorial Protection Act: Committee on Natural Resources (House) (H.R. 1497) (H. Rept. 113–140), H4212 [8JY]

Texts of

H. Con. Res. 58, Dept. of Defense permission for the performance of religious services on military property by military chaplains and other personnel during a lapse in appropriations, S7388 [10OC], H6293 [5OC]

H.R. 301, Dept. of State Special Envoy To Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia establishment, H5564 [17SE]

H.R. 592, Federal Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Fairness Act, H465 [13FE]

S. 952, Church Plan Clarification Act, S3433 [14MY]

S. Res. 11, express support for prayer at school board meetings, S226 [23JA]

S. Res. 22, recognize goals of Catholic Schools Week and honor contributions of Catholic schools, S406 [30JA]

S. Res. 69, call for protection of religious minority rights and freedoms and urge repeal of blasphemy laws in Arab countries, S1271 [7MR]

S. Res. 75, condemn persecution of Baha’is and continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights, impose sanctions for such violations, and call for release of religious prisoners in Iran, S1713 [12MR], S9113 [20DE]

S. Res. 131, Presidential Special Envoy to the Balkans designation to evaluate successes and shortcomings of the Dayton Peace Accords implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, S3261 [8MY]

S. Res. 199, tribute to Wilmington, DE, August Quarterly Festival, S5970 [25JY]

S. Res. 209, recognize anniversary and condemn shootings at Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek, WI, and express condolences to victims’ families and friends and gratitude to responders to the shootings, S6132 [31JY]

S. Res. 252, condition meeting between President Obama and Hassan Rouhani on Iran affirming Israel’s right to exist as Jewish state and release of U.S. citizens unjustly detained, S6754 [24SE]

S. Res. 277, recognize the Hindu holiday of Diwali, S7682 [30OC]

S. Res. 284, call for Iran to release Saeed Abedini and others detained due to their religious beliefs, S7734 [31OC]

S. Res. 290, Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass anniversary, S7962 [12NO]

S. Res. 299, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (organization) anniversary, S8197 [19NO]

Transcripts

National Prayer Breakfast, S2553–S2558 [10AP]

Tributes

Pope Francis, S1927 [19MR]