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April 1, 2022
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.
Invasion of Ukraine Continues
Even now, Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine rages. We've watched countless tragedies unfold and have become increasingly concerned about the violence that has defiled, devastated, and taken a deadly toll on millions of innocent lives. It has sparked the largest humanitarian disaster in Europe since World War II. To respond to the crisis, the U.S. government should partner with local and faith-based groups to provide aid to Ukrainian refugees. Arielle Del Turco and A.J. Nolte explain why in a piece at Fox News.
An under-reported side of the Ukraine conflict is the possible ramifications for religious freedom. The full scope of the consequences of Russia's invasion is still unknown. But one thing is clear: any control that Russia or Russian-backed forces have over Ukraine is dangerous to believers not affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church. Read Arielle Del Turco's article in FRC's Washington Update.
For more information, see FRC's other resources:
Violence Against Christians Flares in Nigeria
Meanwhile, even as Ukrainian violence has dominated the news, a silent slaughter of Nigerian Christians has continued. On March 20, Morning Star News reported from Nigeria, "Suspected Fulani herdsmen on Thursday (March 17) kidnapped 46 Christians and a number of their children in an attack in Kaduna state." Lela Gilbert reported on the developments in Religion Unplugged.
Rohingya Genocide Finally Acknowledged
The Biden administration issued a formal genocide determination in March, recognizing that the Burmese military committed genocide against Rohingya Muslims. The determination should now act as a catalyst for global momentum to hold the perpetrators accountable. For more on why this determination was delayed and what it could mean for the future, read Arielle Del Turo's piece in Providence Magazine.
Forced Marriage Is Still a Problem for Christian Girls in Pakistan
Sadly, the plague of forced marriages in Pakistan and its terrible toll on young Christian girls persists. Arielle Del Turco and Hannah Waters discuss what is happening and why it matters at the FRC Blog. FRC also released an updated publication examining the factors that contribute to this practice and what the U.S. government can do about it. Read the publication here: Combatting Forced Marriage of Young Women in Pakistan.
A Major Victory for Religious Freedom in Finland
Regarding a troublesome legal case in Finland that threatened religious freedom and free speech there and potentially beyond, Arielle Del Turco and former representative Frank Wolf asked a key question in The Hill: Will Finland side with religious freedom?
Thankfully, the resounding answer to that question was "Yes!" On March 30, a Helsinki court dismissed all charges against Päivi Räsänen, the Christian member of Parliament who had been accused of "ethnic agitation." It was wisely concluded that "it is not for the district court to interpret biblical concepts."
This excellent news from Finland reminds us of the power of prayer, which took place worldwide for Ms. Räsänen. This spiritual victory encourages us to continue -- not only to plead for peace and justice in Ukraine but also for our brothers and sisters around the world who do not enjoy the many blessings of our religious freedom.
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
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