By Denise Rochelle M.Earlier this month, human rights organizations proposed that Capitol Hill take measures to protect members of minority faiths and to allow one the freedom to practice their religion without the fear of harassment.
Advocates of Universal Peace Federation gave a lunch briefing earlier this month to Capitol Hill. The focus was to commence talks with Japan about religious rights misconducts.
The brief detailed how the Unificationist community has experienced over 4,000 reported abductions of its members where the Japanese police “have turned a blind eye”.
Rev. In Jin Nim Moon, President of the Unification Church, USA, said some members of the church are being held in captivity against their will. Captors pay “deprogrammers” to hold members hostage until they denounce their faith.
In addition, just a few months ago, supporters of the First Freedom Center compiled a report that calls"for a renewed US focus on religious freedom and the protection of vulnerable minority faith communities throughout the world".
The report assesses several fields pertaining to religious rights concerns such as the Sikh community’s freedom to wear religious clothing; improved religious freedom in EU foreign policy; the Chinese Embassy harassment of the Falun Gong organization; and accounts of other faiths and religious affiliations.
With these violations brought to lawmakers attention, we hope it puts an end to the fear of practicing one's faith in certain regions.
Pictured above: Capitol Hill visit to urge action for Unification Church. Over four thousand members have been held captive for their faith (from left to right) : Jim Gavin, president of Universal Peace Federation(US), Rev. In Jin Moon, Arianna Moon
The official First Freedom Center's report and official UPF's article are linked below:
First Freedom Report:
www.firstfreedom.org/content/New2012Report.pdf
UPF article:
www.unificationnews.com/article/religious_freedom_activists_rally_together_for_capitol_hill_briefing
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