WASHINGTON—Violent conflicts in Syria, Iraq, the Holy Land, Libya, Nigeria and Kenya exemplify why Congress should support a bill that would advance international religious freedom, said the bishop who chairs the International Justice and Peace Committee of the U.S. Bishops.

“Passage of H.R. 1150 would be an important first step in improving the ability of our nation to advance religious freedom globally. It would signify the determination of the United States to promote and protect this most fundamental of human rights,” wrote Bishop Oscar Cantú of Las Cruces, New Mexico, in his April 10 letter to the House of Representatives.

The Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2015 (H.R. 1150), a bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Chris Smith (R–N.J.) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), would protect religious freedom through increased interagency coordination; sanctions against countries, individuals and non-state actors; expanded diplomatic training and foreign assistance; and the reauthorization of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom through 2021.

The full text of the letter is available online: www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/letter-to-house-supporting-international-religious-freedom-act-2015-04-10.cfm
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Keywords: Bishop Oscar Cantú, Las Cruces, New Mexico, Committee on International Justice and Peace, USCCB, U.S. bishops, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2015 (H.R. 1150), international religious freedom, Syria, Iraq, the Holy Land, Libya, Nigeria, Kenya

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Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops