Open Doors Petition Urges Presidential Candidates to Sign Religious Freedom Pledge
SANTA ANA, Calif., Nov. 28, 2011 /
Christian Newswire/ -- The 2012 presidential elections provide an incredible opportunity to advocate for persecuted Christians and people of all faiths worldwide.
Open Doors USA has partnered with professor Tom Farr of Georgetown University, an International Religious Freedom (IRF) expert, to produce and promote the Presidential Pledge for Religious Freedom.
Open Doors USA is presenting the pledge to presidential candidates –including Republican, Democratic, Libertarian and independent – asking each of them to sign it. Former Senator Rick Santorum is the first candidate to sign the pledge.
A candidate's signature indicates that he or she commits to upholding religious freedom for people of all faiths in America, nominating U.S. federal judges who are committed to upholding religious freedom as defined in the pledge and prioritizing religious freedom concerns in U.S. foreign policy. The complete pledge can be accessed at
www.pledgeforreligiousfreedom.com.
People can help by signing a petition that urges presidential candidates to sign the pledge. To sign this important petition, go to
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org starting today. Open Doors will approach candidates, informing them how many Americans have signed the petition. This will help them understand that the public cares about religious freedom and wants our president to protect and promote it.
"Religious freedom is in global crisis," Farr says. "In the United States, religious associations are at risk of being forced either to abandon their core beliefs -- for example, on the sanctity of human life -- or cease operation. Internationally, 70 percent of the world's population lives in countries in which religious freedom is severely restricted.
"Tens of millions of human beings are subject to violent persecution because of their beliefs or those of their tormentors. Whoever wins the presidency in 2012 should make religious freedom, at home and abroad, a high priority."
The Presidential Pledge has been endorsed by over 30 Non-Government Organizations, institutions and individuals. A few of the groups include the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, China Aid Association, Jubilee Campaign, the International Institute for Religious Freedom of the World Evangelical Alliance and the Universal Peace Federation USA. Individual endorsers include The Honorable Ernest Istook, former U.S. Congressman, Distinguished Fellow, The Heritage Foundation; Dr. Richard Land, President of Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission; Dr. Robert E. Record, Executive Director, Council for National Policy; Stuart W. Epperson, Chairman of the Board, Salem Communications Corporation; Michael Cromartie, Vice President of Ethics and Public Policy Center; and Dr. Paul Marshall, Senior Fellow, Center for Religious Freedom, Hudson Institute.
"Religious freedom is foundational to American society, and a key indicator of prosperity in most societies worldwide," says Open Doors USA Advocacy Director Lindsay Vessey. "Candidates need to hear from American voters that this is an important issue. We're asking all freedom-loving Americans to sign the petition. This petition indicates that you would like your presidential candidate to sign the Presidential Pledge for Religious Freedom."
The Presidential Pledge is an educational tool for voters. Open Doors USA does not endorse or support specific candidates.
An estimated 100 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with millions more facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors supports and strengthens believers in the world's most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers. To partner with Open Doors USA, call toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535) or go to our Website at www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.
(For more information or to set up an interview on the Presidential Pledge, contact Jerry Dykstra at 616-915-4117 or email
jerryd@odusa.org.)
