U.S. Congressmen Defend the Right to Religious Freedom in China

HT: China Aid

September 9, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC--Early in August, CAA received a report that the Chinese central government had issued a secret directive calling for the dismantling of six house churches in Beijing. ChinaAid notified U.S. Congressmen Frank Wolf, Representative for Virginia's 10th District, and U.S. Congressman Chris Smith, Representative for New Jersey's 4th District. They were deeply concerned by the news.

Last July, prior to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the two U.S. Congressmen had traveled to Beijing on an investigative tour and personally met with members of the Shouwang House Church. View CAA's Press Release on their visit. Their encounter with the Chinese Christians and human rights lawyers they met left a lasting impression. In learning about this new directive against the churches, they sought immediate action.

On September 8, 2009, Congressman Wolf and Congressman Smith addressed a letter to the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to China, Jon Huntsman, congratulating him on his new position, and calling the issue of religious freedom in China to his attention. They raised their concerns over the fundamental right of religious freedom, as guaranteed by the Chinese constitution for all Chinese citizens.

Click here to View the Signed Letter to Ambassador Huntsman, and read the full text Here.