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Orthodox Observer - December 1996

Secretary of State Names His Eminence
to Advisory Panel on Religious Freedom

NEW YORK — Secretary of State Warren Christopher has appointed Archbishop Spyridon to the newly formed Special Advisory Committee on Religious Freedom Abroad.

His Eminence is one of 20 members representing major American religious groups and religious groups from abroad and academicians named to the committee.

The panel is charged with calling attention to religious persecution around the world.

Chairing the committee will be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor John Shattuck.

President Clinton welcomed the formation of the panel, stating that "the Administration has embarked on this initiative because of its commitment to helping people of all faiths live free of the threat of persecution. As a nation founded by men and women who sought refuge from religious persecution, our country continues to serve as a model for the world of freedom of belief and harmonious relations among different faiths."

In announcing the establishment of the Advisory Committee, Shattuck stated that -religious and ethnic conflict have often been at the forefront of human rights dilemmas in recent years. the creation of an Advisory Committee on Religious Freedom Abroad represents this Administration's commitment to address these issues with new and creative means."

The Committee will seek to achieve tangible results. Its primary goals include fostering greater dialogue between religious communities and the U.S. government, increasing the flow of information to the government about conditions of religious minorities facing persecution around the world, and informing interested groups and individuals about American efforts to address issues of religious persecution and religious freedom.

[ Orthodox Observer - Vol. 61, No. 1121 - December 1996 - p. 5 ]