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THE
INSTITUTE
ON
RELIGION
AND
PUBLIC
POLICY
INSTITUTE
NEWS
NEWSLETTER
ARCHIVE
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NOVEMBER,
1999
INSTITUTE
ON
RELIGION
AND
PUBLIC
POLICY
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November, 1999
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Freedom of religion is one of the core values on which the United States is founded and from which our unique strength as a nation flows. Humanity has made great strides in the recognition of the inalienable rights of individuals, but many people are still denied the right to worship as they choose and are persecuted for their religious beliefs. In 1998, Congress passed and the President signed the International Religious Freedom Act, empowering the U.S. Government to take positive action to identify and oppose infringements on religious liberty around the world. On October 21, the Institute on Religion and Public Policy held a public review of the International Religious Freedom Act attended by more than sixty religious leaders and activists across the street from the U.S. Capitol and addressed by national leaders.
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Welcome New Board Members!
Dr. David Gress, Director of the Center for Studies on America and the West of the Foreign Policy Research Institute of Philadelphia, Dr. Ephraim Isaac, Director of the Institute of Semitic Studies at Princeton University, and the Very Reverend James Parks Morton, President of the Interfaith Center of New York have joined the Institute's Board of Advisors.
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Reverend Crossin Visits IRPP
On November 2, IRPP President Joseph Grieboski met with Reverend John W. Crossin, Executive Director of the Washington Theological Consortium. The Washington Theological Consortium is a nonprofit educational institution providing ecumenical educational opportunities for seminary students in the Washington, D.C. area. The discussions centered on potential cooperation between IRPP and the Consortium, including inter-religious and ecumenical approaches to international peace and the training of seminary students for inter-religious dialogue. While no formal cooperative activities have yet begun, the stage has been set for a long-term relationship between IRPP and the Consortium.
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IRPP to Collaborate on Religious Diplomacy
On November 3, IRPP Communications Director Doug Shaw met with Doug Johnston, President of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD). The ICRD is a Washington-based non-profit that promotes increased understanding and collaboration between diplomats and religious leaders - both clergy and laity - in addressing differences between people, communities, and nation-states. Possible future collaboration between IRPP and ICRD to lessen the likelihood of conflict in critical regions, including Kashmir and Crimea in particular, was discussed. IRPP committed to send a letter to ICRD detailing the Institute's interest and capabilities to participate in ICRD programs.
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Institute Acts to Raise Awareness in the U.S. on Atrocities in Sudan
On November 9, 1999, the Institute on Religion and Public Policy cosponsored the National Conference on Sudan along with Freedom House, Christian Solidarity International, Institute on Religion and Democracy, Hudson Institute, and several other groups working on behalf of Sudan. Michael Young, Dean of the George Washington School of Law and Vice-Chair, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, chaired the Capitol Hill conference. Dean Young publicly thanked Institute President Joseph K. Grieboski for his work and dedication to the issues in Sudan.
The conference began with a prayer and song led by award-winning songwriter, recording artist, and author Michael Card, and the presentation of an award to Sudanese Roman Catholic Bishop Macram Max Gassis of the El Obeid Diocese of Sudan. Presented by William Saunders of Sudan Relief and Rescue, the award was in recognition of Bishop Gassis's courage in addressing the needs of his flock in light of bombardment, aerial attack, and man-made famine.
A last-minute addition to the schedule was Ambassador David John Scheffer, Ambassador at Large for War Crimes Issues who carried a message from Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Ambassador Scheffer's presence demonstrated the success of the coalition in raising the awareness of the Administration to the issues in Sudan.
The first panel, entitled Genocide in Sudan/Silence at Home, discussed the terrible situation in Sudan and means of action at home. Chaired by Norman Hill, President, A. Phillip Randolph Institute, speakers included Chuck Singleton, Senior Pastor, Loveland Church, Los Angeles; Ed Cromwell, Associate Pastor, Safe Harbor International; and Rabbi David Saperstein, Chair, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Fueling the Conflict, the second panel, was moderated by David Aikman, Senior Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center. This panel discussed the financial aspect of the genocide occurring in Sudan and how the funds can be stopped from harming the innocents. Speakers included Eric Reeves, Professor, Smith College; Dennis Bennett, Sudan Economics Expert, ViTrade.com; and Alan Hevesi, Comptroller of the City of New York.
The conference closed with recognition of congressional leadership on Sudan. Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas, Senator William Frist of Tennessee, Representative Donald Payne of New Jersey, and Representative Frank Wolf of Virginia were all presented awards for their tireless legislative work on behalf of Sudan. The awards were presented by John Eibner, Director of Christian Solidarity International; Commissioner John Busby, National Commander, The Salvation Army; and Baroness Caroline Cox, Deputy Speaker, British House of Lords.
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Religious Freedom Alert on Pakistan
The recent coup in Pakistan by General Pervaiz Musharraf offers the United States an opportunity to make an important contribution to the cause of religious liberty in that country. Recognition of any new government in Pakistan should be withheld until laws that discriminate against religious minorities are repealed and pending cases against persons imprisoned under such laws are dismissed. The Institute has taken a leading role in raising the awareness of the American government and the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom to injustices suffered by religious minorities in Pakistan. We will provide more information as this issue develops over the coming weeks.
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The Institute Needs Your Support!
As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, the Institute on Religion and Public Policy relies entirely on charitable contributions to conduct its programs. Your donation would make a crucial difference to the growth of the Institute at this pivotal time. The Institute on Religion and Public Policy is being reviewed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for recognition of its status as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization; contributions to the Institute are tax deductible. Your fifty dollar annual contribution would make a real difference to the early growth of the Institute and allow us to include you in our work through this monthly newsletter mailed to your home or office.
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1101 15th Street NW, Suite 115, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 835-8760 Email: IRPP@ReligionAndPolicy.org
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