Issued by Clearwisdom Net

From April 19th to 25th 2007, Falun Gong practitioners in Cambridge, the United Kingdom, held an art exhibition comprised of works created by artists who are Falun Gong practitioners. The exhibition, called the International 'Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance' Exhibition, and was held in St Laurence's Catholic Church. This event was fully supported by the church, politicians and local artists. This is the fourth time that this internationally acclaimed exhibition has been held in Cambridge.

At the opening ceremony on the afternoon of April 19th, many local political party leaders, councillors, artists and residents gave speeches. Father David of St Laurence's Catholic Church, the deputy leader of the Cambridge Conservatives, Councillor Raj Shah and Cambridge resident John Hobson expressed their support for Falun Gong practitioners' anti-persecution campaign.

Father David addressing a group of supporters at the opening ceremony of the exhibition: "Force cannot chain conscience and belief in freedom."

Father David: Force cannot chain conscience and belief in freedom

Father David first welcomed the Falun Gong practitioners and then said that throughout history, how many times have people seen prison bars, physical beating and chains; but the history of the world also shows that no matter how much force is used to chain people's bodies, it cannot chain people's conscience and belief in freedom. Father David also said that it is important to raise public support for the people who are suffering. He hoped that the UK Parliament and representatives will come to know about the persecution of Falun Gong and put pressure on the most oppressive government to stop it.

Deputy leader of Cambridge Conservatives: Falun Gong's anti-persecution campaign benefits the world

Deputy leader of the Cambridge Conservatives, Richard Normington, said that he came on behalf of the Conservative Association of the City of Cambridge. He was happy to support Falun Gong's campaign because it was beneficial not just for Cambridge, England, but for the world itself. He said that Conservatives support freedom of speech and conscience and their ambition was to see people in China being allowed to discuss, believe and express themselves freely.

More support from local politician

Cambridge councillor Raj Shah (Liberal Democrat) said that it was not right that in this time of global economic development, people were persecuted for their right of basic belief. He also expressed his support for the volunteers who organized this event.

Representative of Cambridge residents: Falun Gong's art will be respected by generations of people

Cambridge resident, retired army officer John Hobson said in his speech that much of the art surviving from Europe was Christian art, and soon people would find that Falun Gong's artworks would leave a good name forever, and would be respected by generations of people, as they were witness to this part of history.

John Hobson said, "The politics that persecute Falun Gong today will slowly be persuaded of the futility of its approach and will crumble. Goodness will always prevail.

"The art, associated with goodness and its journey through persecution, will survive and not because oil on canvas is particularly durable but because the ideals and thoughts and spiritual philosophy that underpins each image is indestructible. The electric cattle prod cannot penetrate or steal the treasures enshrined in the cathedral of each mind.

"So this is how, I believe, Falun Gong art is already history. It is a record of part of Falun Gong's journey through persecution. The portrayal of Falun Gong thinking and philosophy in visual form. Pictures which aspire to illustrate the gifts of Truth, Forbearance or Compassion. This art cannot be erased; it stands as timeless testimony to injustice."

Cambridge resident: People in the free world should show their concern for Falun Gong

During the exhibition, Cambridge Falun Gong practitioners showed several films about the persecution of Falun Gong by the Communist regime: "Shake the World," "Sandstorm" and "Plum Blossom in Snow." They also taught the Falun Gong exercises to people who were interested. Many local residents came to visit the exhibition. They watched the films or learned the exercises, and signed their name on the petition to stop the persecution of Falun Gong.

Cambridge resident David Laurie came to the exhibition three times and watched all the films. After the films, he said that it was hard to believe that in today's world, any human being could do such cruel things to other human beings. He said that people in the free world should show their concern over the persecution of spiritual groups like Falun Gong in China. He also said, "In the past, people called China 'Red China,' because of the communist regime there, but now most people have forgotten about this, which is not right." He believes that ignoring other people's suffering is to acknowledge the persecution and he hoped that the British government could help Falun Gong practitioners.

On May 3, the Falun Gong Club of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities celebrated World Falun Dafa Day at Northrop Square. The practitioners set up a booth and displayed bright-colored banners. Several professors gave speeches at the event. Dr. Barb Frey, director of the Human Rights Program in the College of Liberal Arts, said that the Chinese (Communist) government has been repeatedly lying on the Falun Gong issue and they tried to cover up the persecution. She said that many independent investigations have shown that the persecution exists and is very severe. She emphasized that the peaceful Falun Gong practitioners should not be persecuted for their belief.

Dr. Kirk C Allison, Associate Director of the Program in Human Rights and Medicine, focused on the CCP's (Chinese Communist Party) atrocities of harvesting organs from living Falun Gong practitioners. Dr. Allison was recently involved in a global investigation on organ transplantation in China. He pointed out that more and more organizations have learned that the Chinese government has been systematically harvesting organs from Falun Gong practitioners and started to boycott such atrocities. For example, he said that two Australian hospitals refused to use organs from China. He urged more people and organizations to speak out to condemn the atrocities and take concrete steps to end them.

History professor Richard Kagan from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota also attended the event. He emphasized that Falun Gong is a symbol of traditional Chinese culture and Falun Gong practitioners should not be persecuted. Professor Kagan said that he had been invited to participate in a Belgian forum on human rights in China and he would give a speech on the persecution of Falun Gong.

Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, was introduced to the public by Mr. Li Hongzhi in 1992. Falun Dafa is now practiced in more than 80 countries and has received countless awards and proclamations in recognition of the practice's outstanding contribution to society. Starting in the year 2000, proposed by practitioners outside China, May 13 has been recognized by practitioners worldwide as World Falun Dafa Day.

On May 3, the opening ceremony of the Asian Heritage Month was held at the west building of Parliament Hill. Dozens of Members of Parliament (MP), Senators, and ambassadors from Asian countries attended this grand occasion. When interviewed by The Epoch Times, Jason Kenny, MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, said that he supported the New Tang Dynasty TV (NTDTV) Chinese New Year performances.

The Door to Asians Is Always Open

During the opening ceremony, Jason Kenny, MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, greeted the audience in eight Asian languages. He said that immigrants from Asia helped to build Canada. In particular, he mentioned that Chinese workers built the major railways and also made great contributions in technology. He said that the door to people who are willing to immigrate to Canada and help build Canada is always open.

MPs Support the NTDTV Spectacular for its Cultural Contribution to Canada

At the opening ceremony, a reporter from The Epoch Times interviewed MPs Jason Kenny, Pierre Poilievre, and Olivia Chow. MP Chow is the wife of the New Democratic Party's leader Jack Layton.

While the reporter talked with Mr. Kenny about the background of the NTDTV Spectacular which has been held in four cities and will be held in another two cities in Canada, Mr. Kenny expressed his support. He said that all these culture events of originality are integrated parts of Canada's multi-culture and help the community to appreciate Asian culture.

Canadian-Chinese MP Olivia Chow believes that the power of peace can inspire creativity. She said that if we take a look at Chinese history, we will see one fact: culture and arts achievement always peaked during peaceful periods. As an example, she mentioned that there were so many great poets and artists during the Tang Dynasty and said that this fact suggests that the power of peace can inspire creativity. She said that this is true in both Asia and Canada.

MP Pierre Poilievre said that Prime Minister Harper is a strong supporter of Canadian Chinese and he plans to continue his wonderful relationship with the Chinese community.

At the ceremony, Asian artists performed traditional instruments and dance programs. The Asian Heritage Month will showcase the unique Asian culture and tradition and highlight outstanding contributions to Canada made by Asian immigrants.