You may think it’s rare to see a hopeful event in our world especially in the political realm. When it does happen, I want to be thankful and be hopeful. Maybe you, too, will respond with thankfulness and hope. Today I’m glad to share the following info.

Last month US President Trump took a stand at the United Nations to promote an initiative to protect workplace religious freedom.

“This initiative will encourage the private sector to protect people of all faiths…. True tolerance means respecting the right if all people to express their deeply held  religious beliefs,” said Trump.

He shared statistics of less than 20% of people in the world live in countries with religious freedom. He also pledged funds to protect religious sites and relics from  criminal attacks.

Trump also declared, “These evil attacks are a wound on all humanity. We must all work together to protect communities of every faith…. Today with one clear voice the United States of America calls upon the nations of the world to end religious persecution; to stop the crimes against people of faith; release prisoners of conscience; repeal laws restricting freedom  of religion and belief; protect the vulnerable, the defenseless, and the oppressed. America stands with believers in every country who ask only for the freedom to live according to the faith that is within their own hearts.”

It gives me hope that religious liberty is a priority for this President. I think these initiatives are worthy of his time and attention. May other nations follow his urging to increase prosecution and punishment of crimes against religious communities.

May we remember to pray for those in power who can lead us toward unity and peace.

 

“First of all then I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority on order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”

(1 Timothy 2: 1-3)

“Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)