Former diplomat prods US to widen worldwide religious freedom efforts
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Former State Department diplomat Thomas F. Farr prodded U.S. officials to do more to promote religious freedom around the globe in order to boost security and stability in the world’s trouble spots during a forum at The Catholic University of America.
Farr, director of the Religious Freedom Project at Georgetown University’s Berkley Center for Religion Peace and World Affairs, said U.S. efforts in support of religious freedom have been too limited in scope and must embrace not just the freedom to worship, but all aspects of faith practice and following individual conscience.
His comments came during a panel discussion on U.S. policy and international religious freedom during a daylong forum co-sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Relief Services, the university and the university’s Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies.
Pointing to rapidly eroding religious freedom in some countries and what he termed “rising hostility” to religion in others, particularly Western Europe, Farr said people of faith are facing a “deepening crisis” whereby religious practice is becoming marginalized.
He focused much of his discussion on the persecution of Christians in Muslim countries and called upon the Obama administration to expand efforts to raise the profile of religious rights in the pursuit of foreign policy objectives.
“It’s in the vital interest of the United States that countries like Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan and Egypt succeed in their quest for democracy, that they overcome violent religious extremism and achieve stable democracy, economic development, women’s rights, all the things that they aspire to,” said Farr, who worked as a diplomat in the State Department for 21 years.
“In short, the United States must become more effective in finding and supporting those Muslims who know that Islam can be defended without violence and that embracing religious freedom is in their vital interest,” he said. [More]
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13 Comments
Religious violence does not always end in killing – words can bring on hate and confrontation also.
Well said Rosemary!
World wide religious freedom must begin with a peaceful people. It must begin here in the USA, regardless of who bows down to who, but we first must have religious freedom before we can spread it elsewhere. We also are facing a time of losing some of our religious freedom no matter what the religious is.
J.O. You say that religious violence is horrific on all sides. RONG! The horrific violence is being done by muslims againts Christians, and muslims anginst the different sects of muslims. The Christians arn’t killing anyone, they are to busy fleeing for their lives. In Iraq, 98& of the Christians are either dead or gone. The three different tribes of muslims are killing each other. So much for, “WE ARE A PEACEFUL LOVING PEOPLE.” Smell the coffee.
Sorry, but yes there is. Google Bush bow to Saudi King (king being the operative word here). It is a diplomatic gesture not a religious one.
J.O. Stay in your denial, there is not one picture of Bush bowing to a Saudi King.
I do agree that the religious violence is horrific, on all sides! I appreciate the Pope making his trip even during the current situation, hopefully people will listen.
Sorry, but no proof on your part – all visiting dignitaries use same gesture even Bush – not religious in nature
J.O. The picture of Obama bowing down to the Sauida King is well known. Perhap you should get your head out of ths sand, yes Arabian sand and smell the coffee. As for Jesus and truthful statements; Jesus thanks me for standing up and speaking the truth and defending my brother/sister Christians being murdered by Obamas muslims friends.
I believe that Jesus included the need for truthful statements as part of the program.
J.O. The truth will set you free. When you see Obama bowing down to the King of Saudi Aradia, you can be sure he is a muslim.
What???? Some of the most false statements ever posted on this site!
Beautifully said! Now a reality check. The muslims have stated that the middle East is to be a Muslim country. Their actions show this as they kill christians, burns churchs. throw accid in the faces of christian girl who do not dress as muslim women, (oh yes, Hilary doesn’t want American to know this) What is the track record of the Obama administration? “None” Nothing but a few words. Would you please stop killing minoritys, Not Christians. Hilary can’t even mention the Word “Christine” rather referrs to christians as minoritys. Obama and Hilarry are more concerned with up-setting the muslims. Actions can begin by first stop sending $$$$$$$$$ to these countrys, that will get their attention. Obama has to walk a fine line as acting as Presidentand being a faithful muslim.