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Europe: Elected Officials Commemorate World Falun Dafa Day (Part 1)

June 5, 2025 |   By Minghui correspondent Dexiang

(Minghui.org) To commemorate the 26th World Falun Dafa Day, the 33rd anniversary of its public introduction, and the birthday of Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of the practice, on May 13, 2025, elected officials in Europe spoke at practitioners’ celebrations and issued letters commending the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

UK Officials Praise Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance

Benedict Rogers praised Falun Dafa’s principles at a rally in London on May 10.

UK practitioners held a parade and rally in the center of London on May 10 to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day. Benedict Rogers, deputy chairman of the Conservative Party’s human rights commission, said in his speech, “As Falun Gong practitioners, the three major values, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, that you abide by are not only the values of Falun Dafa. As a Christian, I share the same values. It is also the same belief of many other religious followers. These principles are universal, they are the commonwealth of the entire human race.

“There will come a day when the principles you stand by firmly—Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, that common belief shared by the entire human race—will overcome everything.”

John Dee, chairman of the Friends of Falun Gong Europe, spoke during the rally.

John Dee, chairman of the Friends of Falun Gong Europe, said, “Falun Dafa has far-reaching effects on hundreds of millions of people. It has become an important power in pushing humanity towards kindness, awakening, and justice. Dafa teaches people to treat others with kindness, to look within at one’s shortcomings when there is a problem, to not blame or resent others, and to keep searching for the truth.

“We sincerely hope such precious qualities can be key to changing humanity in the future. We would also like to thank Mr. Li Hongzhi. Today is Master Li’s birthday. We sincerely wish him Happy Birthday!”

Letter from The Honorable Jim Shannon MP, Chairman of the Freedom of Religion and Belief Committee

The Honorable Jim Shannon MP, Chairman of the Freedom of Religion and Belief Committee, wrote in his letter:

“On World Falun Dafa Day 2025, we honor the courage and resilience of Falun Dafa practitioners who embody Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance in the face of relentless oppression by the CCP’s authoritarian regime.

“Your unwavering commitment to these principles shines as a beacon of hope, inspiring freedom and justice worldwide.”

Letter from The Honorable Kate Osamor MP for Edmonton and Winchmore Hill

Letter from The Honorable Lord Andrew Roberts

Swedish Officials Honor World Falun Dafa Day

Practitioners in Sweden held celebrations in the Royal Gardens of Stockholm and elsewhere. Messages from five politicians were read at the events.

Ann-Sofie Alm, Member of Parliament, and her letter

Ann-Sofie Alm, MP wrote, “Today we gather, not only here, but around the world, to observe Falun Dafa Day, a day that carries a message greater than any single movement. It is a day for freedom, reedom to practice one’s culture, freedom to express oneself, freedom to live as a whole person based on one’s own choices.

“Falun Dafa is founded on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance, values that not only empower the individual, but also build peaceful and sustainable societies. It is a reminder of our very own responsibility as humans to make the world a more peaceful place.

“So let us stand together today, with hearts open to one another, and carry with us the simple but profound message: that truth, goodness, and patience are the way forward, both for the individual and for the world.”

Boriana Åberg MP (left) and Helena Storckenfeldt MP (right)LetterfromHelenaStorckenfeldtMPandBorianaÅbergMP

Helena Storckenfeldt MP and Boriana Åberg MP wrote, “It is an honor for us to celebrate Falun Dafa Day, a meaningful celebration for inner peace and personal development. It is a day for tradition and goodwill, for health and well-being, for joy, gratitude, and a more peaceful world.

“I wish you a wonderful celebration of Falun Dafa Day. Your strong commitment is both admirable and inspiring.”

Alexander Christiansson (left) and Peter Ollén (right) also sent messages to practitioners.

Italian Official Commends Falun Dafa’s Principles

Severino Nappi MP

Severino Nappi, a member of the Union of Parliamentarians of the Campania Region, spoke at the celebration in Napoli on May 11. He commended Falun Dafa, saying, “The 13th of May, including today’s celebration, is really important. Because in today’s crisis-ridden world, Falun Dafa’s teaching of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is like a beacon that points out the right path to the people of the world in troubled times! This is really a very important and positive message.”

Maura Striano, a member of the Ministry of Education and Family of the Napoli City Government, sent a congratulatory message in honor of Falun Dafa Day. She said, “We take this opportunity to extend our best wishes to you and all Falun Dafa practitioners for a wonderful day of celebration.”

(To be continued)