    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [November 10, 1999]
    [Page 2077]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of the International Day of Prayer for the
    Persecuted Church
    November 10, 1999

        Warm greetings to all those observing the International Day of
    Prayer for the Persecuted Church.
        Throughout my Presidency, I have strived to promote the cause of
    international religious freedom. I am proud that my Administration has
    completed the first phase outlined in the International Religious
    Freedom Act of 1998. In September, we published the first annual report
    on the status of religious freedom worldwide; and in October, we
    publicly designated the most severe violators of religious freedom.
        On this special occasion, we pause to reflect on the importance of
    religious freedom and the profound role that religion continues to play
    in the lives of citizens around the world. Throughout human history,
    religion has helped countless individuals address profound questions
    about life and the universe. Across the globe, in places large and
    small, we have seen the resilience and depth of the human desire to
    worship freely.
        We have also seen in our communities and in other nations around the
    world the violence and human tragedy spawned by hatred, intolerance, and
    fear born of ignorance--even ignorance of one another's religion. But
    religion encourages us to recognize our capacity for forgiveness and
    love. On this sacred day, we pray most fervently to Almighty God to
    change the hearts of those who persecute others and to help us in
    building just communities united in understanding, compassion, and
    mutual respect.
        Best wishes to all for a blessed observance.

                                                                Bill Clinton

    Note: This message was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    November 12.