Dear Friends:

I regret that I cannot be with you today to celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of Falun Gong. Certainly, one of the most basic human rights is the freedom to express one's spiritual beliefs and to practice one's faith without fear. From my visit to Mainland China, however I am sadly aware that the practitioners of the teachings of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance have faced continued resistance from the Chinese government since 1999.

In a significant measure, our nation owes its greatness to a small group of Pilgrims who came to this land seeking religious freedom. Indeed Patrick Henry, one of our Founding Fathers once said, "...all people are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience, and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice... forbearance, love and charity towards each other." It is our ongoing duty to humankind to work toward a day when all people will be able to worship in peace.

It is my hope that your spirits are bolstered by my sincere gesture of solidarity with you today, and that you will all continue in your efforts to make a difference in our world. Keep the faith.

Sincerely,

Stephen Lynch

Congressman

9^th District

Massachusetts