Led by the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights & Justice, seven human rights groups including Initiatives for China/Citizen Power for China, launched the 2016 Solidarity Sabbath to Freedom of Religion last week to highlight the strength and bravery of Chinese citizens who courageously live out their faith despite threats of harassment, imprisonment, and even torture by the ruling Communist Party.
On the weekend of May 20-22, 2016, religious and spiritual communities around the world will join together in the 2016 Solidarity Sabbath. Freedom of religion, conscience, and belief is a vital human rights issue for all global citizens, and you have a chance to help highlight the plight of the millions of Chinese denied this basic entitlement.
There are a number of ways in which you can join the Solidarity Sabbath’s efforts in China for the freedom of religion, conscience, and belief.
One. Learn more about the Chinese Communist Party’s systematic repression of the right to religion, conscience, and belief by visiting our learn section.
Two. Sign the Solidarity Sabbath petition urging your respective leaders to take concrete action in order to make the freedom of religion, conscience, and belief a greater priority when dealing with Chinese government officials.
Three. Talk to leaders in your faith community and ask them to focus on the freedom of religion, conscience, and belief in China during the weekend of May 20-22, 2016.
Four. Visit our Partners to learn how you can help them in their various programming to proactively help those in China who simply wish to practice their beliefs in peace.
Five. Stay informed by regularly checking with this site and the news feed, which provides updates on the state of the freedom of religion, conscience, and belief today.
Six. Share the Solidarity Sabbath on Facebook. Tell your friends and family about the Solidarity Sabbath and ask them to get their own faith communities involved. Please use #SolidaritySabbath when using social media.
Seven. Boycott products made in China or otherwise reduce purchasing products from China as much as possible.
Eight. Work with other civic or student organizations to bring more people on board.
Nine. Write to the Chinese Embassy in your Country. You may find your country’s Chinese Embassy here.