Contact: Jerry Dykstra, Open Doors USA, 616-915-4117, jerryd@odusa.org
SANTA ANA, Calif., Dec. 16, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- The lengthy saga of the future of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), a watchdog agency, came to an end today.
The House of Representatives this morning passed an amended version of HR 2867 by voice vote, which means it will now be sent to President Obama for his signature. The reauthorization of the USCIRF ends months of haggling over its future. If funding was not approved today, the commission would have been forced to close its doors for good at 5 p.m.
"Open Doors is very pleased that the USCIRF has been reauthorized for three more years," says Open Doors USA Advocacy Director Lindsay Vessey. "We thank all of our supporters who took action in support of this reauthorization. The continued existence of the USCIRF will provide valuable accountability to religious rights violators worldwide."
Open Doors USA President/CEO Dr. Carl Moeller adds: "Open Doors and many other advocacy groups have been campaigning for reauthorization for many months. Praise the Lord that action finally produced results....even if it was at the last minute. The USCIRF is a powerful voice for those who don't have the religious freedom we enjoy in the United States. I encourage the Obama administration to work closely with USCIRF to promote religious tolerance for all faith groups."
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) included several last minute amendments to the reauthorization bill, including term limits for each commissioner as well as travel guidelines.
The USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan federal commission that makes recommendations to the president, secretary of state and Congress. The only agency of its kind in the world, the USCIRF consistently speaks out on religious freedom violations worldwide that go unnoticed or unpublicized by mainstream media and other U.S. governmental agencies.
An estimated 100 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with millions more facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors supports and strengthens believers in the world's most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers. To partner with Open Doors USA, call toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535) or go to our website at www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.
(For more information or to set up an interview, contact Jerry Dykstra at 616-915-4117 or email jerryd@odusa.org).
