
CV NEWS FEED// Aid to the Church in Need International (ACN) has congratulated the United States Congress on passing legislation that protects religious freedom around the world.
ACN is a pontifical foundation that addresses “pastoral and material needs of suffering and persecuted Christian communities throughout the world,” in addition to publishing the Religious Freedom in the World Report every two years, according to a news release from the foundation.
The State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill, House Resolution 2025, specifies that the United States will fund projects that protect religious freedom as well as religious organizations in Nigeria, the press release reports. Even though ACN does not take government funds and therefore does not benefit from the bill, they applauded the measure protecting religious freedom.
“This is a concrete manifestation of how US legislators acknowledge the painful consequences of religiously motivated violence. Because this is a decision on taxpayers’ money, the acknowledgement includes the fact that faith-based organizations such as the Church are reliable partners for US humanitarian and development projects,” Executive President Regina Lynch said.
The bill stipulates sending millions to aid “for democracy and religious freedom programmes in Nicaragua,” as well as funding “to support religious freedom and atrocity response projects in Nigeria.”
On the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee website, Chairman U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R.-OK) emphasized that the bill protects Americans nationally and internationally.
“The legislation upholds the values of freedom and democracy foundational to our nation and challenges the growing evil of authoritarian regimes seeking to test our resolve,” Cole noted. “By protecting our interests and values, every aspect of this bill promotes the doctrine of peace through strength. Chairman Diaz-Balart’s work safeguards our families, nation, and global partners.”
