Religious Freedom In the Media

President Obama proclaimed January 16, 2014 as Religious Freedom Day in the United States. A few days ago after meeting with Pope Francis in Rome, the president reaffirmed his commitment to religious freedom for religious minorities and stated that such freedoms would be respected in the U.S. Does it mean we are in better position today to promote and defend it than in years before?  During this period of time Christians have been killed in Algeria and in Nigeria. They continue to be oppressed in Iran, North Korea, and Syria, while Muslims are also being persecuted in Burma. It is understood that the violence of extremists will provoke similar reactions around the world.  In this context, we are very pleased that the President of the United States has stood up for religious freedom in such a clear and direct manner.

Encouraged by such statements we hope for the imminent appointment of the new Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom. We also hope that the voice of the United States will be heard in the arenas of international meetings and especially at the United Nations Human Rights Council. We also hope that religious freedom won’t be forgotten in the discussion with leaders of countries where religious minorities are persecuted.

The world needs to hear a strong voice in favor of religious freedom. The world needs to see that today, like it was at the origin of this great Republic, the most powerful country of the world is on the side of the persecuted not on the side of persecutors. Such public statements, if materialized into actions, will encourage the countries sharing the same values to follow its example.

 -- Dr. John Graz, Secretary General, International Religious Liberty Association