June 29, 2003

The Tribune Democrat

Diane Leppert was walking through David A. Glosser Memorial Library in Johnstown

Yesterday when she spotted a presentation on Falun Gong, a Chinese practice aimed at improving mind and body.

She went in to learn more.

Within an hour, Leppert, who resides in Johnstown and Scottsdale, Ariz, was practicing exercises that are said to reduce stress as well as bring better health, inner peace and deepened morals.

"I was always interested in natural healing , natural practices," Leppert said as she raised her arms above her head." It is the interaction with the person who is teaching you."

Followers say the movement, also known as Falun Dafa, originated in prehistoric times, but started gaining popularity in China in 1992.

Its popularity increased so fast that it alarmed Chinese government officials, who felt threatened and 1999 began arresting and abusing followers.

Falun Gong representatives were at the library at 248 Main St. yesterday to thank city and Cambria County residents for their support of the movement and their efforts to stop the persecution of its followers, said Kuan-Yuan Hsieh of State College, where she has organized a chapter.

Emma Jin of Pittsburgh said Falun Gong has taught her how to better handle conflicts with other people.

She and others do the exercises on weekends in Pittsburgh's Schenley Park

Cambria County Commissioner Kathy Holtzman and city Councilman Benny Britt read proclamations supporting the practice.

"It's a shame people who want to practice their faith are persecuted" Britt said as he presented the city proclamation to Hsieh.

Speakers at the presentation pleaded for help in rescuing two Falun Gong followers-Jinfang Yang, sister of a Philadelphia doctor, and Dr. Charles Li, a U.S. citizen-both of whom are being held in China.

Falun Gong contends Li is being unjustly incarcerated and tortured for trying to expose the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China.

A lawsuit is pending in U.S.District Court in Chicago against former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin on genocide charges. The suit was filed in this country because Falun Gong followers say the persecution has spread to the United States.