Sarbanes Statement on International Religious Freedom
February 7, 2014
WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today released the following statement on international religious freedom:
"President Obama's comments during the 2014 National Prayer Breakfast highlighting the importance of religious freedom to America's national security underscore what those of us in Congress who have long championed religious freedom and human rights have been fighting for. The preservation and promotion of these inalienable rights are central to the stability and wellbeing of America and the international community. For this reason, my office convenes the annual St. Andrew's Reception on Human Rights and Religious Freedom on November 30th. The St. Andrew's forum reminds all of us that the ongoing repression of the Ecumenical Patriarchate by Turkish authorities and other such abridgments of human liberties the world over offends and undermines the very democratic values and principles upon which our great country was founded. Respect for human rights, religious freedom and democratic liberties is central to America's national security and a stable international order. The President's full remarks can be viewed here."
"President Obama's comments during the 2014 National Prayer Breakfast highlighting the importance of religious freedom to America's national security underscore what those of us in Congress who have long championed religious freedom and human rights have been fighting for. The preservation and promotion of these inalienable rights are central to the stability and wellbeing of America and the international community. For this reason, my office convenes the annual St. Andrew's Reception on Human Rights and Religious Freedom on November 30th. The St. Andrew's forum reminds all of us that the ongoing repression of the Ecumenical Patriarchate by Turkish authorities and other such abridgments of human liberties the world over offends and undermines the very democratic values and principles upon which our great country was founded. Respect for human rights, religious freedom and democratic liberties is central to America's national security and a stable international order. The President's full remarks can be viewed here."
###