This weekend over 30 members of the Lake Oswego Baha’i Community came together to pray and ask Congress to speak out against the unjust imprisonment of seven Baha’i leaders in Iran. Seven Baha’i leaders in Iran were arrested and recently sentenced to 20 years in prison on charges with no grounds and amounting to nothing more than practicing their faith.
In an August 12, 2010 statement by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the United States Government spoke out against this travesty of justice. In this statement Secretary Clinton said, “The United States is committed to defending religious freedom around the world, and we have not forgotten the Baha’i community in Iran.” More information about the United States response to the sentences, including a link to the full statement, is available at http://www.bahai.us/
The Lake Oswego Baha'i community, comprised of over sixty adults and children, joined together to write letters to Senators Jeff Merkley, Ron Wyden and Representative Kurt Schrader. Those participating ranged in age from five to over ninety years. The community is asking them to speak out forcefully against the forces of religious persecution and intolerance and encourages all people to encourage their representatives to do the same.
