President Barack Obama said religious freedom is under threat, and highlighted the plight of two American Christians held in North Korea and Iran.

In his address to the National Prayer Breakfast, an annual gathering of lawmakers and numerous faith leaders, Mr. Obama said its clear that around the world freedom of religion is under threat. He said the U.S. works with countries that dont live up to Americas standard of religious tolerance and pointed to China as an example. He said Americas relationship with the Chinese is important to the world but said that he stresses in meetings with Chinese leaders the need to uphold universal rights for Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and others.

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, he said.

He cited North Korea, where Christian-American missionary Kenneth Bae has been held for more than a year because of his and was recently sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for unspecified hostile acts. The U.S. has sought his release and Mr. Obama vowed the United States will continue to do everything in our power to secure his release, because Kenneth Bae deserves to be free.

Mr. Obama also mentioned Pastor Saeed Abedini, who was arrested in Iran for his efforts to spread Christianity and sentenced to eight years in prison on national security charges. As we continue to work for his freedom, today, again, we call on the Iranian government to release Pastor Abedini, so he can return to the loving arms of his wife and children in Idaho, the president said.

Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R., N.H.) was quick to tweet her approval. Appreciate POTUS prayers this AM for Americans Kenneth Bae & Saeed Abedini imprisoned in North Korea & Iran-we pray for their release.

On the Mideast, Mr. Obama said the U.S. has made clear to Israelis and Palestinians that lasting peace will require freedom of worship and access to holy sites for all faiths.

Mr. Obama, a Christian, told the gathering that Gods teachings led him to do community service in Chicago and to his wife, Michelle. His faith, he said, led me to public service, and the longer I serve, especially in moments of trial or doubt, the more thankful I am of Gods guiding hand.

Follow @wsjwashington on Twitter

Originally posted here:

Obama: Freedom of Religion Is Under Threat