(Minghui.org)

(Minghui.org) On July 20, 1999, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched the statewide persecution of Falun Gong. This persecution triggered Falun Gong practitioners around the world to clarify the truth about this practice and to protest peacefully against the persecution. Every year around July 20, Falun Gong practitioners from around the world hold a rally in front of the United States Capitol, calling for an end to the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong. For the occasion of the coming public rally, U.S. Congressman Doug Lamborn from Colorado wrote the following letter to Falun Gong practitioners in support of Falun Gong practitioners' cause. He says in the letter that the persecution "must end."

Doug Lamborn, Member of Congress

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington DC 20515

June 26, 2012

Thank you all for your attendance at the annual rally for Falun Gong. I apologize that I was unable to attend, but I would like to take this opportunity to share my continued support for your cause.

I have often times said that the true test of a country's freedom is how free their people are to worship-the one of the first freedoms. Today, the Chinese Communist Party continues to restrict this freedom.

Since 1999, the Chinese government has sought to eliminate the practices of Falun Gong. Its practitioners have been oppressed and persecuted for their beliefs. This must end. I stand in opposition of the Chinese Communist Party's imposition on the inalienable human right of spiritual belief, and stand in solidarity and support of the Chinese people's right to their religion. I stand in support of religious freedom, across this globe.

But as we know, these freedoms do not come without effort. The Falun Gong practitioners understand this and have made that great effort. In accord with the essence of your beliefs, the Falun Gong practitioners strive to fight their battles through peaceful measures. And through peaceful measures, you can win.

The location of this rally steps away from this nation's capitol is appropriate. Inside that building, battles have been fought through peaceful means with arguments of words and reason. In these battles truth prevails. With truth, the necessity of religious freedom is realized.

I write today to show my support of international religious freedom and encourage my colleagues to redouble their efforts in the same. In times of trouble, when religious freedom feels out of reach, remember all the battles this world has fought, and won, for our freedoms. Thank you all for your continued commitment to religious freedom.

Sincerely,
Doug Lamborn

Member of Congress