Patience is Out: Pres. Trump Calls for 'Large Sanctions' on Turkey, Immediate Release of Pastor Brunson, says FRC

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Jul 26, 2018, 14:25 ET

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- President Donald Trump tweeted this morning that the "United States will impose large sanctions on Turkey for their long time detainment of Pastor Andrew Brunson, a great Christian family man, and wonderful human being. He is suffering greatly. This innocent man of faith should be released immediately!" Vice President Pence echoed the president in an address this morning before the State Department's first-ever "Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom."

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, who also serves on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, attended the Ministerial and offered the following comments:

"The time to release Pastor Brunson is now. With President Trump and Vice President Pence calling for 'large sanctions' on Turkey, we know the administration's patience is gone.

"The Trump administration has put a high priority on religious freedom and simply won't give up until Pastor Brunson is free.

"Turkey is a NATO ally but isn't acting like an ally as it tramples the values that reflect NATO's mission. Turkey must begin living up to its own constitution which guarantees the freedom of religion – including the freedom to share one's faith.

"Earlier this month, we gathered the names of thousands of people on a pledge to pray for Pastor Brunson. Those pledges have been delivered and Pastor Brunson is encouraged to know that the United States hasn't forgotten him. He won't be left behind," concluded Perkins.

SOURCE Family Research Council