U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
Baptist leaders urge House Speaker Mike Johnson to support Ukrainian Christians
By Adelle M. Banks — April 10, 2024
(RNS) — ‘We believe that God has put you in this position “for such a time as this,”’ Southern Baptist and Ukrainian Baptist officials wrote the speaker.
Rabbi, religious freedom delegation end Saudi trip early after yarmulke incident
By Adelle M. Banks — March 12, 2024
(RNS) — ‘No one should be denied access to a heritage site, especially one intended to highlight unity and progress, simply for existing as a Jew,’ said Rabbi Abraham Cooper.
For 25th year, State Department reports on threats, triumphs in religious freedom
By Adelle M. Banks — May 16, 2023
(RNS) — The report, which assesses conditions in 199 countries, also looks at policies and laws, including those about blasphemy and apostasy, that ‘criminalize religious expression.’
Repression of women points to worsening religious freedom trends abroad
By Nury Turkel and Abraham Cooper — May 3, 2023
(RNS) — Denying religious freedom and women’s rights go hand-in-hand.
Are some human rights more important than others? Religious freedom advocates often put it first
By Laura E. Alexander — May 2, 2023
(The Conversation) — Religious freedom has grown more important in US foreign policy – but does that come at the expense of promoting other human rights?
Iran, 27 other countries critiqued by watchdog for religious freedom violations
By Adelle M. Banks — May 1, 2023
(RNS) — The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom decried Iran’s use of violence against protesters in the wake of Mahsa Amini’s death.
Religious freedom watchdog seeks Eritrea’s release of 80-year-old Jehovah’s Witness
By Adelle M. Banks — October 14, 2022
(RNS) — A Jehovah’s Witnesses spokesman said that ‘there is growing concern that Tesfazion may not live long enough to ever be reunited with his family and friends.’
USCIRF chair rebukes Azerbaijan for imprisoned Jehovah’s Witness conscientious objector
By Adelle M. Banks — October 5, 2022
(RNS) — Seymur Mammadov, 22, was recently sentenced to nine months in prison after objecting to military service.
Imam Mohamed Magid appointed to international religious freedom commission
By Adelle M. Banks — August 11, 2022
(RNS) — The former president of the Islamic Society of North America and current co-president of Religions for Peace has played a key role in numerous declarations and dialogues.
Biden names Catholic activist Stephen Schneck to religious freedom panel
By Jack Jenkins — June 15, 2022
(RNS) — ‘I’m proud and humbled by President Biden’s appointment,’ Schneck told Religion News Service.
While focusing on Ukraine, don’t forget the rest of the world
By Thomas Reese — April 26, 2022
(RNS) — Ukraine is one of many connected crises around the world.
List Afghanistan as religious liberty violator, report urges State Department
By Adelle M. Banks — April 25, 2022
(RNS) — ‘Religious minorities faced harassment, detention, and even death due to their faith or beliefs,’ religious freedom commission says about Afghanistan.
Russia jails more Jehovah’s Witnesses, prompting calls for ‘strong measures’
By Adelle M. Banks — January 20, 2022
(RNS) — More than 80 Jehovah’s Witnesses are imprisoned in Russia, including some awaiting trial and some detained after being convicted.
Rashad Hussain confirmed as first Muslim US religious freedom ambassador
By Adelle M. Banks — December 17, 2021
(RNS) — ‘Ambassador Hussain is well placed to advance the US government’s promotion of international religious freedom,’ said the chair of a religious freedom watchdog.
Russia added to State Department list of worst religious liberty violators
By Adelle M. Banks — November 17, 2021
(RNS) — Blinken said the Biden administration supports ‘every individual’s right to freedom of religion or belief, including by confronting and combating violators and abusers of this human right.’
Page 1 of 4
