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Church Group Condemns Communist Governments Denial of Emigration Rights

July 12, 1971
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The Executive Council of the two million member United Church of Christ announced adoption of a resolution condemning Communist and other authoritarian governments for holding political prisoners, discriminating against persons who dissent against governmental policy and detaining ethnic and religious groups who wish to emigrate. The resolution was introduced at the Eighth General Synod of the United Church of Christ which met in Grand Rapids. Mich.June 23-29 and referred to the Executive Council. The Council acts as the Synod in the interim between Synod meetings. “As Christians we value freedom of expression and freedom of person as basic human rights.” the resolution said. It went on to call upon the Government of the United States to use its influence especially to persuade authoritarian governments to grant permission to emigrate to those who wish to leave the countries.

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