Nearly 30 years ago, the National Association of Evangelicals played a significant role in the creation of the bipartisan U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Since then, USCIRF has been on the frontlines of defending international religious freedom around the world.
With USCIRF’s authorization set to expire on September 30, the NAE has signed a letter, in partnership with the International Religious Freedom Roundtable, calling on Congress to reauthorize the important work of USCIRF for two more years.
Every day around the world, people of faith lose their jobs, languish in prisons, suffer attacks, or are killed for practicing their faith. This persecution, happening to our fellow believers and members of other faith traditions, reminds us that the defense and protection of religious freedoms is crucial.
USCIRF plays a vital role in monitoring religious freedom abuses around the world, advocating for those facing discrimination based on their beliefs, and ensuring that international religious freedom remains a pillar of our foreign policy priorities.
As the letter states, which includes more than 200 signers, “reauthorizing the USCIRF is not only a matter of principle but also a meaningful step towards fulfilling our nation’s promise to uphold this fundamental right.”