President Obama
Praises Freedom of Religion at the National Prayer Breakfast
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/02/06/president-obama-praises-freedom-religion-national-prayer-breakfast
This morning, the
President, the First Lady, and the Vice President attended the National Prayer
Breakfast in Washington, D.C. The annual event brings together
legislators, officials, and clergy from all faiths and political ideologies.
During his remarks,
the President focused on the importance of freedom of religion – not only in America, but
also around the world:
History shows that
nations that uphold the rights of their people, including the freedom of
religion, are ultimately more just and more peaceful and more successful.
Nations that do not uphold these rights sow the bitter seeds of instability and
violence and extremism. So freedom of religion matters to our national
security.
As I’ve said before,
there are times when we work with governments that don’t always meet our
highest standards, but they’re working with us on core interests such as the
security of the American people. At the same time, we also deeply believe that
it’s in our interest, even with our partners, sometimes with our friends, to
stand up for universal human rights. So promoting religious freedom is a key
objective of U.S.
foreign policy. And I’m proud that no nation on Earth does more to stand up for
the freedom of religion around the world than the United States of America.
Every President since
Dwight D. Eisenhower has attended the National Prayer Breakfast since the
initial event in 1953; this is President Obama’s sixth appearance. Watch his
remarks from last year’s event here.