(Minghui.org) On the eve of the 13th anniversary of Falun Gong practitioners' peaceful protest of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) persecution, many US congress members wrote to Falun Gong groups to express their support, calling for global forces to unite and stop the persecution. US Congressman Robert Andrews from New Jersey wrote the following letter of support, condemning the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China.

Congress of the United States

House of Representatives

Washington, D. C. 20515-3001

June 27, 2012

Dear Supporters of the Falun Dafa Association,

Thirteen years ago, the Chinese Government began the systematic persecution of Falun Gong adherents in China because it viewed the practice of this religion as threatening to its communist ideology. China’s lack of religious freedom has led to its designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” by the US Secretary of State for over a decade, as Beijing’s persecution of its citizens is not limited to one religious or spiritual group.

As a result, I support this rally to raise awareness of the thirteenth year of persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. This spiritual discipline focuses on gentle meditation and traditional Chinese exercises combined with a philosophy grounded in Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance. According to a US State Department report, before the government began its persecution, millions of Falun Gong adherents lived in China; however, the State has killed thousands through torture and police abuse, while thousands more have been imprisoned, often in labor camps. Some imprisoned Falun Gong adherents have been physically and psychologically coerced into renouncing their belief system. Even those who have not lost their freedom or their lives face discrimination and harassment for their beliefs. Attorneys who represent Falun Gong practitioners can be disbarred or arrested, and even family members of practitioners who do not practice Falun Gong themselves have been arrested.

Religious persecution in China is not limited to the practitioners of Falun Gong. Any denomination and unauthorized religious texts can be confiscated. Though employers are legally forbidden to discriminate based on religion, in practice this discrimination is widespread, especially—but not solely—against Falun Gong practitioners.

It is devastating that religious persecution on such a wide scale still exists in this day and age, so the importance of this rally cannot be overlooked. I join the adherents of Falun Gong in renouncing China’s mistreatment of their followers, and urge China to end its official and unofficial policies which have led to the torture, imprisonment, and killing of Falun Gong practitioners whose only crime is their deeply held religious belief.

Sincerely,

Robert E. Andrews

Member of Congress