Joe Pitts: “I want to put domestic concerns and partisan concerns aside and speak for five minutes on behalf of the fundamental…”

“I want to put domestic concerns and partisan concerns aside and speak for five minutes on behalf of the fundamental human right of religious liberty in the House Churches in China. Recently a number of House Church leaders in China wrote a very respectful appeal to the government of the People's Republic of China. The appeal says nothing against the Chinese Government, but reflects the utmost respect. These House Church leaders respectfully request that their government release those Christians imprisoned in labor reform camps and to stop attacks on the church. In addition, the authors request that the PRC begin a dialogue with the House Church leaders in order to deepen mutual understanding and to reduce confrontation between the two parties. Mr. Speaker, the House Church leaders who drafted this document and who sent it to Beijing have taken a very bold and possibly dangerous step in hoping for recognition from their government. I encourage the Chinese Government to take steps to increase religious liberty for the Chinese people, to use caution in these matters, and to deal justly with issues of religious freedom. It is vital that Americans support these courageous House Church leaders and members as they appeal to the Chinese Government for protection of their religious freedom.”