Congressional Signatory Letter to Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong

China Aid Association
The Honorable Zhou Wenzhong
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China
To the United States of America
2201 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
Washington D.C. 20007
Dear Mr. Ambassador,
We are writing to express our deep concern with the ongoing imprisonment of the persons listed in the attached report.  Their names have been brought to our attention by the China Aid Association, a reputable organization which is held in high regard in the human rights community.
These men and women are committed Christians who are seeking to worship God in a manner consistent with their faith.  They are peaceful people who want only the right to honor their beliefs.
As you know, China is a signatory of the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18 of which states, “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
It is noteworthy that the Olympic Games are a celebration of human dignity.  We note with interest that on the official homepage of the Beijing games, the following statement is made:
“One World One Dream” expresses the common wishes of people all over the world, inspired by the Olympic ideals, to strive for a bright future of Mankind. In spite of the differences in colors, languages and races, we share the charm and joy of the Olympic Games, and together we seek for the ideal of Mankind for peace.
Mr. Ambassador, this ideal will never be realized until all nations honor the right of all persons to practice their religious beliefs without fear of imprisonment or persecution.  None of the persons noted in the attached document are criminals.  They are loyal citizens who only wish to be able to worship in peace.  If peace is, in fact, the aim of the Beijing Olympics, this goal can partially be realized by the release of these prisoners.
Please review these cases.  It is our request that these persons be freed and allowed to practice their faith without state interference.  We look forward to your prompt response and to your government’s actions in letting these people go.
Sincerely,