Activists, congressmen prod Obama on religion envoy
April 24, 2015
Following a vote of 402-22 in the House of Representatives and a voice vote in the Senate, President Barack Obama signed the Near East and South Central Asia Religious Freedom Act in August 2014.
Passed in the wake of increase persecution of Christians and other religious minorities, the law directs the president to appoint a Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia.
Eight months later, President Obama has not appointed the envoy, leading dozens of congressmen, religious-freedom advocates, and representatives of religious organizations, including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, to send a joint letter urging him to fill the position.
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Further information:
- Obama urged to name envoy for religious minorities (Baptist Press)
- Activists demand Obama appoint envoy for persecuted Middle Eastern Christians (RNS)
- H.R.301 - To provide for the establishment of the Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia. (Congress.gov)
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