The July 2006 issue of Humanists Hawaii Newsletter, contained Roy Speckhardt’s reply to a request to demonstrate support of the Falun Gong:
An Open Letter to Falun Gong July 12, 2006
Dear Dr. Lily L. Zhang:
Thank you for your invitation to speak out against human rights violations perpetrated by the Chinese Communist Party against the Falun Gong. The American Humanist Association strongly opposes government sponsored human rights abuses inflicted on any people, including Falun Gong practitioners . . .
We regret, however, that we must decline to accept your invitation. As we’ve participated in a past event, this open letter is being sent to explain our position.
Given our strong human rights position, we cannot share the Falun Gong platform without concern that it will be viewed as an endorsement of the intolerant positions held by this religion. Though the Falun Gong in the United States claim “tolerance” as a primary principle, the Chinese word for this principle (Ren) is more appropriately translated as “forbearance;” in this case, forbearance as a form of resignation, a survival skill for getting through suffering. Falun Gong founder Li Hongzhi has explicitly condemned interracial relationships and homosexuality, and has even said, as reported by the San Jose Mercury News, that gay people would be “eliminated” by “the gods.” These intolerant views are confirmed on reading a translated version of the second volume of the Falun Gong’s primary religious text, Zhuan Falun.
Beyond the issue of tolerance, we Humanists don’t support several irrational and unfounded Falun Gong claims – such as Li’s belief that aliens are attempting to overtake human souls, or that Falun Gong unleashes supernatural powers that reverse the effects of aging. While Humanists often work closely with groups and individuals of differing views, any tacit support of these ideas would be incompatible with our dedication to reason and science.
We continue to hope that the Chinese government will one day embrace democracy and compassion, and allow the freedom of religion and from religion for all groups, including the Falun Gong.
Sincerely,
Roy Speckhardt
Executive Director, American Humanist Association
Jason Pomerleau, a practitioner of Falun Gong saw our newsletter on the net and replied to Speckhardt’s letter, Michael Mueller responded to Jason:
Aloha Jason,
Thank you for your letter. The clarification of your interpretation of your beliefs was very inspiring. Like in many belief systems the variety of interpretation is quite wide. For that reason I respect each flavor of religion, because at their most liberal and enlightened interpretation, they all seem to converge and improve humanity.
However, on the other side, they are harmful to humanity and a hindrance towards advancement. As Humanists we have moved on beyond authorities leading us "uneducated" mortals to a better state of mind (and body). Our activities are less focused on our own evolvement towards something other than being the best human being we can be, but rather to work with what we have already achieved to make the world a more humane place for all. How far backwards a religion has remained or how much forward a religious belief system has evolved in its current flavor or interpretation is less of a Humanist's concern.
I hope that whatever your needs might be, they will be met by your belief system. The less your beliefs conflict with reason and science, the better for mankind.
We appreciate the time you took to reply to the newsletter and wish you good luck for your personal development.
Aloha from Hawaii,
Michael
