Back to the UN to Safeguard Religious Freedom

Once again, we are at the United Nations working to protect religious liberty around the world.  Many of you will remember our efforts in previous years to oppose the Defamation of Religions (DOR) resolution advanced by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).  This resolution, in an effort to prevent criticism of religion (specifically Islam), stifles the religious freedoms of millions of Christians around the world.

Specifically, the Defamation of Religions resolution encourages member nations to pass laws that prohibit the defamation of religions.  The problem is that this is a violation of international law and violates decades of international human rights policy by removing the right of every individual to believe, and practice their belief, as they see fit.  Under the approach of the Defamation of Religions resolution, an Islamic state can make it a crime to proclaim the Gospel or speak out against Islam. 

This is an important issue that continues to have significant consequences around the globe.  Consider what is happening now in Pakistan, where Christians are facing grave danger daily because of their faith.  We're working in conjunction with our international affiliate, the European Centre for Law and Justice, to combat this deadly violence.  You can read a story about the situation Pakistan here.  As you may recall, many of these instances result in forced conversions to Islam with some Christians sentenced to death for blasphemy.

It is unconscionable that the United Nations continues to sanction this type of law under the guise of protecting religion.  It's an issue that is gaining media attention.  You can read more about the issue and our involvement in this story posted here.

The good news is that we are making progress against this troubling resolution.  Last year, for the first time, more member nations voted no or abstained than voted in favor of the resolution.  This is a significant step in the right direction, but it is not enough - the resolution must be defeated outright. 

That's why we're back in New York with a team from both our New York and Washington, D.C. offices working to explain the dangers of this resolution.  You can be sure that the OIC realizes what is at stake here and is pushing even more aggressively to garner support for this measure.

This years version of the resolution is likely to be introduced any day now, and the first in a series of votes is expected within a couple of weeks.  Now, more than ever, Christians around the world need our assistance in defending their freedoms.

Please add your name to our petition to protect religious freedom right now. We will continue to work to defeat this misguided Defamation of Religions resolution.