The oppression of people anywhere based upon their religious beliefs or political views is something we must work to end.  Throughout our history, the United States has promoted traditional values and we have been a leader throughout the world in promoting human rights.  As a nation, we encourage other countries to establish freedoms that allow citizens the right to say, do and go anywhere they want, when they want.

Rumors have circulated that Bibles would be banned from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. After much international criticism, the Chinese government recently dispelled these reports stating that athletes would be allowed to bring religious materials with them to the Olympic Village, including Bibles.

Several Christian organizations are also planning cultural and sports events at the Beijing Olympic Games despite China’s ban on religious workers. My thoughts and prayers will be with them as they reach out to a nation where religious liberty is not tolerated and according to reports, 8,000 to 10,000 people are executed every year.