New report finds religious freedom on the decline

Religious freedom worldwide is "under serious and sustained assault." This finding is the work of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCRIF).

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - A new report which examines religious oppression around the world has been released by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. The report finds that religious oppression is on the rise around the world.

The report specifically cites religious oppression in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Pakistan is a country of "particular concern" because of the Muslim oppression against religious minorities there, including Christians. The situation is exacerbated by the government's unwillingness to do much about the violence.

In Pakistan, merely being accused of some offensive act, such as blasphemy or defiling a Quran,will get a person lynched. Christians face the death penalty if they speak out against Mohamed.

Similar concerns are cited in Iraq and Syria where the Islamic State continues to torture and execute anyone who disagrees with their religious ideals. The same goes for parts of Africa where Islamic militants likewise persecute those who hold differing beliefs.

In Europe, Jews and Muslims have been the targets of oppression, at least according to the report.

In China, Christians communities continue to suffer oppression as crosses are forbidden and bulldozers raze churches. Buddhists and Muslims also face oppression and can be imprisoned for their beliefs, which are seen as disloyal. Victims of the Chinese government can face torture, brainwashing, sexual abuse, organ harvesting and even death.

The agency is encouraging the U.S. government to take action that will pressure governments to facilitate religious freedom around the globe.

The report did not address religious freedom concerns in the United States.

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