The CCP’s Long Arm Targeting a Religious Group in America: Justin Butterfield and Lea Patterson

🔵 Try Epoch Times now: https://ept.ms/3Uu1JA5

This is the full version of Jan Jekielek’s interview ustin Butterfield and Lea Patterson. The interview was originally released on Epoch TV on July 10, 2025.

For decades, Jan Jekielek has been reporting on the ways the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) crushes the religious freedom of its citizens. But in recent years, the CCP has been escalating its tactics against a religious group here—on American soil.

In this episode, Jan sits down with religious freedom lawyers Justin Butterfield and Lea Patterson to understand what’s going on and discuss their response to a recent lawsuit against Shen Yun, the performing arts company founded by Falun Gong practitioners in New York.

The case touches on vital questions about what it means to be able to practice your faith—and guide the education of your children in America.

CHAPTERS
0:00:00 Introduction to Religious Freedom Challenges
0:00:35 The Fundamental Human Right of Freedom of Conscience
0:02:09 Defending Religious Liberty in America
0:03:44 Chinese Communist Party's Tactics Against Religious Minorities
0:07:22 Attempts to Discredit and Suppress Religious Groups
0:10:48 America's Unique Approach to Religious Freedom
0:12:33 Historical Roots of Religious Tolerance
0:13:28 Contrasting American and Chinese Approaches to Religious Freedom
0:15:50 Challenges to Nonprofit Status and Religious Organizations
0:19:35 Shen Yun Lawsuit: Overview and Legal Arguments
0:24:26 Defending Religious Practices and Schedules
0:26:29 Protecting Minority Religious Beliefs
0:28:47 The Importance of Protecting Controversial Speech
0:36:22 Personal Journeys in Religious Liberty Advocacy
0:47:48 Closing Thoughts on Religious Freedom and Constitutional Protections

🔵 Sign up for the American Thought Leaders ALERTS newsletter to stay up-to-date on new episodes, releases, and special events 👉 https://ept.ms/ATLnewsletter

💛 Support us 👉https://donorbox.org/american-thought-leaders
-------------------------------------------------
© All Rights Reserved.