President Obama spoke about Thursday’s National Day of Prayer, saying that when “women and men of all backgrounds and beliefs” can “practice their faiths without fear or coercion, it bolsters our religious communities and helps to lift up diverse and vibrant societies throughout our world.”

The President’s proclamation notes that when “we celebrate the religious liberty we cherish here at home, and we recommit to standing up for religious freedom around the world.”

“Millions of individuals worldwide are subjected to discrimination, abuse, and sanctioned violence simply for exercising their religion or choosing not to claim a faith. Communities are threatened with genocide and driven from their homelands because of who they are or how they pray,” continued the Obama in the emailed proclamation that was emailed to The Christian Post by the White House Press Office.

“The United States will continue to stand against these reprehensible attacks, work to end them, and protect religious freedom throughout the world. And we remember those who are prisoners of conscience — who are held unjustly because of their faiths or beliefs — and we will take every action within our power to secure their release.”

Organizers of the National Day of Prayer say there were an estimated 43,000 gatherings to mark the day and cry out for the future of the nation.