[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 46 (Monday, November 22, 1999)]
[Page 2373]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message on the Observance of International Day of Prayer for 
the Persecuted Church, 1999

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. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.