“History shows that nations that uphold the rights of their people, including the freedom of religion, are ultimately more just and more peaceful and more successful,” Obama told an audience.
“Nations that do not uphold these rights sow the bitter seeds of instability and violence and extremism. So freedom of religion matters to our national security.”
Obama singled out the government in Beijing and urged it to do more to allow Christians to worship.
He also called on North Korea to release a Christian missionary held for the last 15 months and insisted that Iran release a Christian pastor held for more than 18 months.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/07/us/politics/obama-denounces-religious-repression.html