(Minghui.org) May 13, 2021, was the 22^nd World Falun Dafa Day and the 29^th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. Congressman Van Taylor, State Senator Angela Paxton, and State Representative Matt Shaheen sent letters of greeting and official resolutions to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.

Congressman Van TaylorLetter from Congressman Van Taylor

Congressman Van Taylor wrote, “Falun Dafa has long been recognized for transcending cultural boundaries through the universal values of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. Through embracing virtue and improving ones well being through holistic means, it is believed hundreds of millions of people have benefited from its practice. Further, Falun Dafa has brought awareness to the dangers and destructive nature of Communist China and its persecutory campaign of violence aimed at eradicating the spiritual practice shared by an innocent people.”

Angela Paxton, State Senator District 8Resolution from Angela Paxton, State Senator

The resolution reads, in part, “The Lone Star State is strengthened and enhanced by the diversity of the cultural traditions woven into its fabric, and it is indeed fitting to recognize Falun Dafa for the meaningful role it has played in the lives of countless Texans.”

Matt Shaheen, State RepresentativeResolution from State Representative Matt Shaheen

The resolution reads, in part, “The meditation practice has played a meaningful role in the lives of many Texans, particularly during these challenging times, and they have received exercise instruction and health information through forums as online workshops, television programs, and outdoor public places.”

Background: What Is Falun Dafa?

Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) was first introduced to the public by Mr. Li Hongzhi in Changchun, China, in 1992. The spiritual discipline is now practiced in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Millions of people have embraced the practice, which is based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance and includes five gentle exercises, and experienced improved health and well-being.

Jiang Zemin, former head of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), perceived the spiritual discipline's growing popularity as a threat to the CCP's atheistic ideology and on July 20, 1999, issued an order to ban the practice.

Minghui.org has confirmed the deaths of thousands of practitioners as a result of the persecution over the past 22 years. The actual number is believed to be much higher. More have been imprisoned and tortured for their faith.

There is concrete evidence that the CCP sanctions the harvesting of organs from detained practitioners, who are murdered to supply the organ transplant industry.

Under Jiang's personal direction, the CCP established the 610 Office, an extralegal security organization with the power to override the police and judicial systems and whose sole function is to carry out the persecution of Falun Dafa.