Remarks on the U.S. Department of State's Annual Report on International Religious Freedom
Secretary Condoleezza Rice
Washington, DC
September 15, 2006
(10:07 a.m. EDT)
SECRETARY RICE: Good morning. Today, I have transmitted to Congress the 8th Annual Report on International Religious
Freedom. We hope that this report which is also available at the State Department's website will serve as a resource for
all in the United States and in the international community who share our concerns about religious freedom. We also hope
that it will serve as a source of encouragement to those whose plight is documented in the report and whose right to
believe and practice and worship as they choose is still denied by their governments.
Five years ago this week, the American people observed a national day of prayer and remembrance for those who died in
the terrorist attacks. We gathered in the National Cathedral and in houses of worship all across the country and indeed
across the world to draw strength and solace from one another and from our faiths. We came together, Muslims and Jews,
and Christians, Sikhs, Hindu, Buddhists, people of every faith united in grief, united in resolve, and united in
conviction that the power of compassion and love is stronger than the forces of hate.
On Monday we marked the fifth-year anniversary of September 11th with a ceremony at the State Department to remember the
more than 90 countries that lost citizens in those attacks. Some victims were in the United States on business, others
were visiting relatives. It was a stark reminder that the entire world was affected by these brutal and horrific
attacks, and the entire world is threatened by the extremist ideology of hate and bigotry and religious intolerance.
Indeed, September 11th has made us more aware of our own religious diversity in the United States and how important it
is. The events of that day make this report all the more important, and they renew our determination to honor the
highest ideals that we have always affirmed throughout our history, the ideals of a democratic society that protects and
respects religious differences. Religious freedom is deeply rooted in our principals and our history as a nation. And it
is now integral to our efforts to combat terrorism and the ideology of hatred that fuels it.
In today's world, our goal of fostering religious freedom and tolerance beyond our borders is an essential component
even of national security. Through our bilateral relationships, our work in international fora and our many ongoing
discussions on this issue with people around the world, the United States seeks to promote religious freedom and
tolerance and build a more peaceful world for the peoples of all faiths.
It is now my pleasure to introduce Ambassador Hanford, who leads the State Department's work in religious freedom and
tolerance. And Ambassador Hanford will provide additional details about the report and will answer your questions.
Thank you very much.
2006/824
Released on September 15, 2006
ENDS