2002 News Archives

IRLA Secretary General Presents at Briefing in U.S. Senate Office

Posted August 21, 2009

Washington, D.C. ... Dr. John Graz, Secretary General of the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA), was a member of a panel of distinguished experts on religious freedom who participated in a briefing on developments in Russia on January 31st, 2002. The briefing was held in the Dirkson U.S. Senate office building and was attended by a number of individuals interested in developments in Russia, including congressional staff and the religious liberty representative of the Commission for Security & Cooperation in Europe.

Government and Religious Leaders Gather In Kyrgyzstan

Posted August 21, 2009

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan... Religious leaders and government officials gathered together January 24-25, 2002, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to discuss religious freedom concerns. Organized by leaders of religious organizations and parliament members, the theme of the conference, "Freedom on Conscience and Providing an Interreligious Mutual Understanding," was more than appropriate in this country of 4.5 million where there has not been much support for minority groups. The two largest religions are Muslims and Russian Orthodox.

Violence Against Christians Continues in India

Posted August 21, 2009

February 20, 2002 Silver Spring, Maryland… [IRLA]. In the country where Mohandas K. Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru promoted non-violence in the early 1900s, some cities in India have experienced religious conflict during the past ten years. On February 17, 2002, the Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations in North America (FIACONA) reported that worship was disrupted at a Holy Mass in Mysore in the south Indian state of Karnataka when windows were smashed, bricks thrown at the congregation, and the parish priest room destroyed. Witnesses claimed that even after police arrived, Hindu activists continued hurling stones and bricks.

Beijing Mayor Served with Lawsuit for Persecutions

Posted August 21, 2009

Silver Spring, Maryland [IRLA]… In what many see as a necessary, but "bold" move by the Center for Justice and Accountability, Liu Qi, mayor of Beijing and president of the Beijing Olympic Committee, was served with a lawsuit on February 8, 2002, for his involvement in overseeing human rights abuses against the Chinese, in particular the Falun Gong practitioners. Mayor Qi was boarding a plane at San Francisco International Airport to attend the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, an event that seeks to promote good will among nations.

IRLA Secretary-General Visits Indonesia

Posted August 21, 2009

March 27, 2002 Silver Spring, MD ... While visiting Indonesia on March 6-12, 2002, Dr. John Graz, secretary-general for the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA), spent time lecturing and meeting with religious leaders and believers. "The main factor contributing to religious conflict in Indonesia is political, although other factors such as religion, race and economics have played a part," says Graz.

Former Deputy of Turkmenistan Receives Political Asylum

Posted August 21, 2009

March 11, 2002 Washington, D.C. ...Appearing cautious but eloquent, a former deputy of the Turkmenistan government addressed panelists and delegates on Capitol Hill on March 7. The briefing on U.S. Policy in Central Asia and Human Rights Concerns was organized by the United States Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE). The CSCE is an independent government agency that monitors religious freedom around the world and makes recommendations to the U.S. government on how to promote religious freedom.

Azerbaijan State Official Encourages Religious Freedom

Posted August 21, 2009

Silver Spring, MD... [IRLA]. "All religions are equal in the eyes of the law," stated Dr. Rafig Yahya Oglu Aliyev, in a visit to the International Religious Liberty Association's (IRLA) headquarters. Serving as chairman of the Azerbaijan State Committee for Work with Religious Structures since 2001, Aliyev assured IRLA officers and staff that the Azerbaijan government is interested in fostering healthy and productive relationships among various religious organizations to prevent conflicts.

Religious Freedom Report and its Impact on Religious Freedom

Posted August 21, 2009

Washington, D.C.... Reacting to the newly released report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Joe Grieboski, president of the Institute on Religion and Public Policy, called for non-governmental organizations and government representatives to make religious freedom a priority. In a May 15 meeting, organized by the institute, Grieboski pointed out that the meeting was "to provide a review of the Commission's report, to give the public and media a clear understanding of the statements released and what it can be used for.

World Congress Adopts "Statement of Concern" on Religious Freedom Violations

Posted August 21, 2009

June 14, 2002. Manila, Philippines ... [IRLA News] The World Congress on religious freedom concluded today with an insistence that violations of religious rights are unacceptable, and specifically named some of the worst offenders.

Religious Freedom a Vital Security Benefit Says Former US Ambassador-at-Large

Posted August 21, 2009

June 11, 2002. Manila, Philippines ... [IRLA News] Religious freedom is the missing dimension of security, according to Dr. Robert Seiple, the first US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. Speaking at the International Religious Liberty Association's (IRLA) world congress in Manila on June 11, Seiple highlighted the importance of freedom of religion as a great security benefit, saying that without such respect for freedom of conscience there would always be the threat of conflict and violence.

UN Human Rights Expert Speaks Out Against Religious Intolerance

Posted August 21, 2009

June 10, 2002. Manila, Philippines... [IRLA News] United Nations special rapporteur to the Commission on Human Rights Prof. Abdelfattah Amor, speaking at the opening session of the world religious freedom Congress organized by the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) today, said that religious extremism and intolerance posed one of the world's greatest threats. Prof. Amor, also vice-chair of the U.N. Human Rights Committee, spoke on the theme of the Congress, 'Religious Freedom: A Basis for Peace and Justice,' underlining the tragic consequences of inter-religious conflict and the vital importance of respecting freedom of belief. "In various countries religious freedom violations occur because of political reasons," said Amor. "As a result these violations are not dealt with and continue-actions of discrimination and intolerance, while freedom of thought, conscience and belief is attacked."

Philippines: National Leaders Endorse Fight Against Religious Intolerance

Posted August 21, 2009

June 10, 2002. Manila, Philippines... [IRLA News] Messages of support from Philippine government leaders endorsed the World Congress program of the International Religious Liberty Association's fight against religious intolerance. The IRLA World Congress, meeting in Manila June 10-13 under the theme "Religious Freedom: A Basis for Peace and Justice," brings together top-level experts, diplomats and leaders from around the world to tackle the issues of religious extremism, intolerance, and persecution.

UN Expert Presents Albert Schweitzer Award to Religious Freedom Campaigner

Posted August 21, 2009

Budapest, Hungary... [IRLA News] Longtime religious freedom campaigner Dr. Gianfranco Rossi received major recognition for his "outstanding achievements" as he was presented with the Albert Schweitzer award by United Nation's special rapporteur Prof. Abdelfattah Amor.

Indian Religious Leader Warns of Coming Religious Freedom Crisis

Posted August 21, 2009

Budapest, Hungary ..."If these religious conflicts continue, there is no future for India," commented Indian religious leader the Swami Agnivesh at a religious freedom conference in Budapest, Hungary on July 31. He was referring to violent clashes between various faith communities in India, particularly the Muslim-Hindu conflict earlier this year, and attacks on Christians by extremists, actions that have left hundreds dead. "Hinduism, with the reputation for being one of the most tolerant religions, has been hijacked for political purposes," he continued, warning that a major religious freedom crisis would result, with extensive violence and instability in the country.

Moldovian Parliamentarians Call for Religious Equality

Posted August 21, 2009

Silver Spring MD, USA [IRLA news]. Members of the Parliament of Moldova called for religious equality during a visit to the world headquarters of the International Religious Liberty Association's (IRLA) on August 1, 2002. "As members of the European Council, we must not only respect the regulations of the Council, but treat all religions equal in our country," said Stefan Secareanu, a member of the Committee for Human Rights and National Minorities for the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova.

How Can We Forget the Past?

Posted August 21, 2009

Seven Christians killed in Pakistan. For what? I would like to understand why these people were killed? Were they very courageous for the country? Were they threatening the one billion Muslim believers? Were they plotting to steal a nuclear bomb? Were they spying for the enemies of the country? No! They were Christians.

Violence Against Christians Continue in Pakistan

Posted August 21, 2009

Silver Spring, MD. September 30, 2002. Two gunmen burst into the offices of a Christian charity in Karachi, Pakistan yesterday, September 25, killing seven men after bounding and gagging them, while two other men remain in critical condition. All employees of the Karachi office of the Organization for Peace and Justice, this incident is the latest in a series of violence against Christians and Christian organizations. The Organization for Peace and Justice is a Catholic-and Protestant-supported group that provides legal advice to impoverished industrial workers and women. The attack occurred shortly after police officers stripped signs identifying churches in private homes and placing sandbags outside Christian sites as an attempt to protect Christians and their organizations.

French Officials May Have Second Thoughts Over "Anti-Sect" Policy

Posted August 21, 2009

Warsaw, Poland. September 30, 2002. After the adoption of a much criticized law last year that many allege is a major erosion of religious freedom in France, an official response by the French delegation at a major meeting in Europe indicates some second thoughts as to the wisdom of proceeding to target religious minorities in this way.

IRLA Deputy Secretary General Promotes Religious Freedom in Romania

Posted August 21, 2009

Calarasi, Romania, September 26, 2002. Dr. Jonathan Gallagher, Deputy Secretary General for the International Religious Liberty Association has just returned from Romania to promote religious freedom in the country.

Lotz Re-Elected IRLA President

Posted August 21, 2009

Silver Spring, MD… [IRLA news] October 10, 2002. At its board meeting yesterday, the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) re-elected Denton Lotz as president for the term 2002-2004. Other officers re-elected were John Graz (secretary general), Jonathan Gallagher (deputy secretary general), and Don Robinson (treasurer).

Delegation from Poland Visits IRLA Headquarters

Posted August 21, 2009

Silver Spring, MD, USA [IRLA News] A six-member delegation from Poland visited the headquarters of the International Religious Liberty Association as part of the program sponsored by the US State Department.

Religious Freedom Experts Confront Issues of Security, Terrorism

Posted August 21, 2009

Washington, D.C., USA… [IRLA News] Top experts in religious freedom confronted the issues raised by national security concerns and terrorism and issued a preliminary statement emphasizing how respect for religious freedom was essential for security and a stable society.

Coalition Brings Religious Freedom and Human Rights Issues to the Forefront

Posted August 21, 2009

SILVER SPRING, MD, USA. [December12] The Washington Coalition for International Religious Freedom met for the third time today to discuss religious freedom and human rights issues at the headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. Organized by the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA), the Coalition first met shortly after September 11, 2001. "We believe it is important to provide a wider forum for dialogue and mutual respect between peoples of faith and also greater understanding by government representatives," said John Graz, secretary-general for the IRLA

Religious Freedom Conference Aims to Teach Children Tolerance

Posted August 21, 2009

Silver Spring, MD, USA. [IRLA news] Teaching children about tolerance and respect was the focus of recent discussions with government officials in Chile. Representatives from the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) met with Senate President Andrés Saldivar and Minister Heraldo Munoz, at the invitation of Guido Quinteros, president of the Adventist church in Chile