ROME, ITALY / ACCESSWIRE / May 24, 2023 / The International Catholic Jurists Forum supports the third annual week of Global Prayer for China, May 21-28, 2023.

On this year's Feast of Mary Help of Christians and World Day of Prayer for the Church in China, Pope Francis stated: "I wish to assure my thoughts and closeness to our brothers and sisters in China, and share in their joys and hopes. I offer a special thought to all those who suffer - pastors and the faithful - so that in the communion and solidarity of the universal Church they may experience consolation and encouragement."

We pray for the Church and peoples in China, who are suffering oppression, persecution, and even genocide. We pray for the government of China to govern with respect for inherent human dignity and freedom of conscience and religion. We are committed to working collaboratively to promote freedom ordered to truth, charity, peace, and justice, in China.

The Global Week of Prayer was initiated in 2021 in response to the call of Cardinal Charles Bo, President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC). In 2022, following the arrest of Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen, Cardinal Bo has renewed and strengthened his call, writing "I urge Christians of all traditions everywhere to pray for Hong Kong especially, and the Church in China, as well as the Uyghurs, Tibetans and others facing persecution in China, during that Week of prayer."

We reiterate the Global Prayer Campaign's 2023 statement and encourage "all concerned people to be informed about the plight experienced by many in China under repressive and unjust laws and policies. We call upon legislators and members of international organizations to take up the issue of the religious persecution of China, and to work collaboratively to promote human dignity, freedom, and peace in China during this time."

Media contact:

Jane F. Adolphe
Professor of Law
734-827-0943
Janefa111000@gmail.com

SOURCE: International Catholic Jurists Forum