|
December 17, 2021
Dear John,
Each month, FRC's Center for Religious Liberty covers international religious freedom news -- exploring challenges that believers face abroad.
Here is FRC's top content on international religious freedom this month.
The Biden Administration Abandons Nigeria's Christians
The hard-won effort to hold Nigeria's leaders accountable for their toleration of the unending slaughter of Christians was undone when Secretary of State Antony Blinken removed Nigeria's Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation. It's a label meant to urge national leaders to address problems within their borders. Since the situation for Christians in rural Nigerian communities has by no means improved, the Biden administration's removal of the designation is shocking.
FRC responded by leading a coalition letter signed by 47 other groups and individuals asking President Biden to undo the damage caused by his administration's stunning reversal and stand up for persecuted communities. For more information on the situation in Nigeria, see these FRC resources:
Congress Makes a Move to Stop Uyghur Forced Labor
A people's tribunal in the United Kingdom found a legal basis to declare that the Chinese government is committing genocide, crimes against humanity, and torture against the Uyghur people. These horrific findings should spur the world to act on behalf of the defenseless Uyghurs.
Thankfully, the U.S. Congress made long-awaited progress by passing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act--a bill that would stop any goods made in the Xinjiang region (where the use of forced labor from Uyghur people is rampant) from entering the United States. This is a critical step that will protect American consumers from unknowingly participating in human rights abuses. The House and Senate both passed it this week. Now, President Biden needs to sign it into law. This is the biggest opportunity we have to make a difference for human rights in China. For more information on the plight of the Uyghurs, see these FRC resources:
FRC Makes Its Voice Heard at the United Nations
Last month, FRC responded to the UN's call for input regarding how religious minorities are uniquely impacted by situations of conflict and insecurity. It's important for organizations and individuals who value freedom and human dignity to continue making their voices heard. With simple acts like this submission, FRC is seizing the opportunity to do exactly that. For more information, see these FRC resources:
As we enter the Christmas season, let us continue to remember the many believers around the world who live in places where they cannot worship freely. Christmas is a reminder of the hope Christ brought into the world and each of our lives. The lyrics of the 1847 Christmas carol "O Holy Night" remind us of the profound implications of the Christmas story:
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is Love and His gospel is Peace;
Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother,
And in his name all oppression shall cease,
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful Chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise his Holy name!
We should continue to pray that people in every nation can come to know the hope offered by Christ and worship without fear.
In His Name,
Lela Gilbert
Senior Fellow for International Religious Freedom
Arielle Del Turco
Assistant Director of the Center for Religious Liberty
"Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them..."
Hebrews 13:3
| 
