(Minghui.org) US Congressman Christopher Smith from New Jersey is an influencial member of the US Foreign Affairs Committee and the Chairman of Congressional-Executive Commission on China. On the occasion of the 13th World Falun Dafa Day and the 20th anniversary of the introduction of Falun Dafa to the public, Congressman Smith wrote the following letter to local Falun Dafa practitioners acknowledging Falun Dafa Day. He said in the letter: "During this month of recognition, I join the Legislature in recognizing the many contributions of Falun Dafa to our state and nation. Additionally, please know that I will continue to work with you in our joint effort in promoting freedom of religion and protection from abuse and torture for the Falun Dafa practitioners who continue to live and struggle in China."
Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
May 13, 2012
Dear Friends:
The New Jersey State Legislature—both the Senate and General Assembly—have recognized and honored Falun Dafa through its proclamation of May as New Jersey Falun Dafa Month. Peace and congratulations to all my friends and members of the Falun Dafa Association of New Jersey.
Falun Dafa was first introduced at Rutgers University in 1996. Falun Dafa’s exercise and meditation classes now reach beyond its own circle of practitioners to touch many other members of our society, teaching “improve the health”, “purify the minds”, “uplift the spirits”, and “deepen the understanding” as guiding principles.
As has happened so often in the inspiring history of our United States, a new faith came to our nation because of persecution overseas. Master Li Hongzhi and many other Falun Dafa practitioners fled China for a land where they could practice their faith freely. They naturally pray that the repression of Falun Dafa practitioners in China may cease. In 2001, they received one of the Freedom House International Religious Awards given to “defenders of human rights.” The Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which I chair, makes many contributions by monitoring and reporting abuses of freedom of religion in China—and working to promote systematic change so that one day Falun Dafa practitioners can practice without fear of persecution.
During this month of recognition, I join the Legislature in recognizing the many contributions of Falun Dafa to our state and nation. Additionally, please know that I will continue to work with you in our joint effort in promoting freedom of religion and protection from abuse and torture for the Falun Dafa practitioners who continue to live and struggle in China.
Sincerely,
Christopher H. Smith
