ERLC to discuss Chinese atrocities ahead of Winter Olympics

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Special) — The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville will host a special online event to discuss China’s human rights atrocities ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics. The live streaming will begin at 10 a.m (CST) on Feb. 1. Registration is free and available online.

During the event, panelists will address questions and topics such as:

— What do we know about the ongoing genocide of the Uyghurs in China?

— What should Christians know as they prepare to watch the Winter Olympics?

— How can Christians can pray for the persecuted church and other vulnerable groups in China?

The Southern Baptist Convention  was the first Christian denomination to label the CCP’s actions as a genocide of the Uyghur people. ERLC has advocated since 2019 on behalf of the Uyghurs and condemned the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) human rights abuses against them and other ethnic minorities. 

Event panelists include:

— Nury Turkel, vice chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom in Washington,D.C.

— Rushan Abbas, founder and executive director of Campaign for Uyghurs in Washington, D.C.

— Brent Leatherwood, ERLC acting president.

— Michael Sobolik, fellow in Indo-Pacific Studies at the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington, D.C.

On Jan. 19, Leatherwood sent a letter today to Jeff Shell, CEO of NBC Universal, calling for the network to use its unique position broadcasting the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics Feb. 4-20 to highlight the human rights abuses and genocide of the Uyghur people in China and refuse to broadcast Chinese propaganda.

Past assets of ERLC that call attention to the plight of the Uyghurs include:

— ERLC Commends Congress on Reaching Agreement on Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

— ERLC supports Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

— Letter to Secretary Blinken regarding Uyghur Forced Labor.

— Letter to Secretary Pompeo Urging for an Official Genocide Determination.

— U.S. announces genocide determination for the ongoing atrocities committed against Uyghurs.

— The U.S. should oppose China’s forced labor practices.

— How the Chinese Communist Party is persecuting Uyghur women.

— First Denomination to Condemn Uyghur Muslim Genocide? Southern Baptists.