Joe Pitts: “I urge all Americans and, in particular, every Member of Congress to join in recognizing the International Day of Prayer…”

“I urge all Americans and, in particular, every Member of Congress to join in recognizing the International Day of Prayer this coming Sunday for those persecuted for their faith around the world. Our country was founded on the principles of inalienable rights. Central among them was the right to choose and practice one's faith in God. Today, thousands around the globe still must flee their home countries because of severe persecution for practicing their beliefs. Many international human rights agencies report that in the 1990's severe religious persecution continues at an intolerable rate. In China and Vietnam, pastors have frequently been arrested and beaten. In Mexico, believers have been murdered by mobs. In Egypt and Pakistan, young women have been raped and beaten. In China, churches have been bulldozed. In Saudi Arabia, Christians have been tortured. In the Sudan, children have been forced to convert to Islam in order to receive food rations. All this because of their faith in God. We who live in freedom cannot be idle spectators to such widespread injustice. I urge all Members to join in the work to end religious persecution worldwide.”