China is NOT all fun and games

Will Olympics overshadow religious persecution?

Charlie Butts - OneNewsNow - 7/20/2008 4:05:00 AM

President Bush has drawn attention, and will continue to do so, to the plight of persecuted Christians.

The President made the remarks during a 10th anniversary ceremony to honor the International Religious Freedom Act, which was signed into law to deal with religious persecution. Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs

(VOM) is hopeful that when people see coverage of the Olympics in China -- and specifically, the opening ceremonies which Bush will attend -- they will see more than just the beauty of China and the competition.

"[I hope] they will also remember that this is a country that persecutes our brothers and sisters," Nettleton adds. "This is a country where Christians are currently in jail simply because of their Christian faith."

This week, President Bush said he always tells foreign leaders, including China's president, that they should welcome religion in their society, not fear it. Nettleton hopes that continues as the Beijing Olympics approach. "I hope that if he does get opportunities that he will really make a point of saying, 'This is not just about athletes and gold medals. We also want to remember our brothers and sisters who are suffering in this country,'" the VOM spokesman explains.

Nettleton also is hopeful Bush will have the opportunity to meet with Chinese officials on that issue. "You know, so much of our discussion with China is about trade and making money," Nettleton contends. "Some of it is about military relationships, and we need to always remember to keep the issue of religious freedom on the table."

According to VOM and other similar agencies, China has conducted a crackdown against the underground church in recent months as a way of striking fear in the hearts of Christians involved in the movement and putting their leaders in jail.