Story number 1 for 19 Feb 2002

(USA)–Topping today’s news, Christian organizations are asking President Bush to confront Chinese officials about persecution against Christians in China. Mission Network News’ Greg Yoder reports from Nashville. “The Committee for Investigation on Persecution of Religion in China released, at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, government documents proving an officially sanctioned campaign against believers. While China is proclaiming religious freedom, a press conference yesterday is proving otherwise. Open Doors’ Terry Madison. “This is, if you will, the proverbial smoking gun. These are documents that perhaps lead back to the highest officials in China to indicate overt pressure that the government is putting on our brothers and sisters.” Voice of the Martyrs’ Gary Lane. “This is the most significant set of documents on religious persecution, to come out of China since Nixon and Kissenger opened the door in 1972.” These ministries hope this proof will be evidence to encourage the United States government to take a stand against this oppression. From the National Religious Broadcaster’s Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, Greg Yoder, Mission Network News.”