I count it a privilege to be asked to address you today. I have never been more consciously grateful for the priceless heritage of freedom, and particularly of religious freedom, that we enjoy. I am deeply aware of the occasion and the setting of this bicentennial celebration, and of the untiring work of many of you on behalf of religious liberty.

I have just arrived from the Soviet Union where it was my privilege to participate in the 1000 year celebration of Christianity in Russia. I was a guest of the Orthodox Church, and had the privilege of speaking a number of times not only in the celebrations, but preaching in Orthodox Cathedrals and Baptist Churches.

Just before going to the Soviet Union, my wife and I and several colleagues toured parts of China. I had the privilege of speaking at several universities, several of the newly opened churches, and was the second foreign visitor that Premier Li Peng received after his election as premier. We had many discussions with scholars, political leaders, and religious leaders in which we discussed the very points, to some extent, that concern us here today. Both countries are in the process of forming new laws governing religion; let us hope that they grant much more freedom to religion.