Trump, who says the cause of religious freedom is essentially in the DNA of the United States, said the country is not done assisting those who wish to worship in peace. He articulated two additional things the administration is planning on doing to support this cause. His administration is dedicating an addition $25 million in funds to protect religious freedom and religious sites and relics that are in danger of being destroyed due to violence and war. Trump said he is also forming a coalition of U.S. businesses for the protection of religious freedom. The coalition will “encourage the private sector to protect people of all faiths in the workplace.” Saying the “private sector has brilliant leadership,” Trump says they can be key in fighting persecution. He also mentioned this is the first time something like this partnership with the private sector has been attempted.
Trump Urges Action From United Nations General Assembly
Included among the highlight reel of the Trump administration’s efforts to snuff out religious persecution, Trump admonished other world leaders to take up the cause of religious freedom. Specifically, he asked leaders to “stop the crimes against people of faith, release prisoners of conscience, repeal laws restricting freedom of religion and belief, protect the vulnerable, the defenseless, and the oppressed.”
Instead of calling religious freedom a privilege, as some may think of it, Trump called it an “eternal right.” “We ask the governments of the world to honor the eternal right of every person to follow their conscience, live by their faith, and give glory to God.”
You can watch Trump’s and Pence’s comments in their entirety below.
