September 30, 2025
21Wilberforce President Wissam al-Saliby has announced that the 2025 honoree of the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Award is Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP).
Founded in 1984, CMEP is a coalition of more than 30 Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Evangelical denominations and organizations. CMEP mobilizes U.S. Christians to promote equality, human rights, security, and justice for Israelis, Palestinians, and all people of the Middle East. Three core pillars that advance CMEP’s work are: Educate—to provide opportunities to learn about the Middle East with a holistic approach to advocating for peace; Elevate—to elevate diverse voices who are advocating for equality, security, and human rights for all people in the Middle East; and Advocate—to advocate for just U.S. policies in the Middle East with policymakers in the U.S. government.
CMEP also equips churches, leaders, and individuals across the United States to advocate effectively and knowledgeably for peace and justice in the Middle East. This work is grounded in the belief that sound, holistic U.S. policy is essential to achieving and sustaining just and stable relationships in the region.
Since 2016, CMEP has been led by Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, an ordained pastor in the Reformed Church in America. Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, CMEP has deepened its role as a convener and advocate for peace. Cannon previously held senior leadership roles at World Vision U.S., Compassion International, and Willow Creek Community Church, and has long been a voice for justice in the Middle East.
CMEP’s work has drawn praise from faith leaders across the globe:
Botrus Mansour, Secretary General–Designate of the World Evangelical Alliance: “In a time of upheaval and conflict, CMEP demonstrated empathy and kindness. Amid disorientation and disinformation, of contradictions and challenges, CMEP strives to shed light on the tragedies of our region, and to give Middle East Christians a voice. Amid dehumanization of people groups, CMEP’s actions keep reminding us that God so loved the world.
Under the leadership of Mae Elise Cannon, CMEP is modeling a theology and modelling the Prince of Peace. In a time of divisive identities, we need more of CMEP’s relational peacemaking. My prayer is that more Christians cross to the other side, go to the well, and talk to the Samaritan woman.”
Dr. Bob Roberts, Jr., President of the Institute for Global Engagement and former Frank Wolf IRF Award laureate: “It has been my privilege to have been associated with CMEP for the past 20 years. Their consistent clear voice for justice for Palestine/Israel as an organization is unmatched. I for one am grateful for their voice pray it continues in the current conflict and into the future.”
Rev. Dr. Fares Abraham, Founder and President, Levant Ministries: “Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) represents the kind of biblically grounded voices we desperately need in this moment. In a region often reduced to politics and polarization, CMEP has consistently lifted up the call to peacemaking and affirmed the God-given dignity of every person—Israeli, Palestinian, Jew, Muslim, and Christian alike. As a Palestinian American evangelical and ministry leader serving across the region, I’ve seen firsthand how CMEP’s principled engagement provides a moral compass for the Church. Their work challenges apathy, counters extremism on all sides, and reminds us that peace-seeking is the way of Jesus.
In honoring CMEP, we affirm that bearing faithful witness to Christ in the Middle East means supporting the church in the region, standing for peace, and defending the poor and oppressed. I commend them with deep respect.”
Michael el-Daba, Director, Funding and Investment Unit, CEOSS and Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Lausanne Movement: “It is with immense pleasure and profound respect that I congratulate and endorse CMEP for the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Award.
For years, as a Regional Director of the Lausanne Movement in the Middle east and Director in the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services on Egypt, I have witnessed that CMEP has stood as a beacon of hope, advocating tirelessly for the rights of all individuals to practice their faith without fear of persecution. CMEP’s sustained commitment to fostering understanding, promoting peace, and speaking out against injustice embodies the very spirit of this award. We commend their vital work in a region where such advocacy is not only necessary but truly life changing. Thank you for your inspiring leadership and tireless pursuit of a more just and religiously free world.”
Rev. Dr. Sameh Maurice, Senior Pastor, Kasr El Dobara Evangelical Church: “It is with deep respect and heartfelt gratitude that we honor Churches for Middle East Peace for their courageous and unwavering commitment to defending human dignity and religious freedom. In a region too often torn by conflict and injustice, they stand as a prophetic voice for peace, reconciliation, and the sacred worth of every human being. Through tireless advocacy, education, and bridge-building, they remind the world that peacemaking is not passive but requires moral courage and persistent action. Their work calls communities of faith to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and to pursue justice rooted in compassion and hope. By lifting up the voices of those too often silenced and working to ensure that all people can freely practice their faith, Churches for Middle East Peace embody the highest ideals of faith in action. We honor their steadfast dedication and pray their witness continues to inspire peacemakers everywhere.”
Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou, Professor in International Studies at Boston College, former USCIRF Commissioner, and member of the Global Academic Council of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat: “There is a perfect logic to this year’s granting of the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Award to Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP).
Just as Congressman Wolf’s lifetime of service in championing religious freedom as a universal human right was defined by courage, integrity, and bridge-building, the decades-long work of the 30-plus communions that comprise CMEP is built on the unwavering dedication to freedom of conscience, belief, and religion as foundational for any lasting peace in Israel and Palestine and the Greater Middle East. CMEP’s mission and Frank Wolf’s worldview draw from the same conviction, that religious freedom is intrinsic to human dignity, human security, and peace in our world. In honoring CMEP in 2025 with the distinguished Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Award, 21Wilberforce will open hearts and minds to the existential urgency of CMEP’s work for peace in the Greater Middle East, a region that stands as a litmus test for committing to a world that safeguards the freedom and equality of all human beings.”
Rev. Dr. Jack Sara, President of Bethlehem Bible College: “As a long-term partner of CMEP whether through my role as a pastor of an Evangelical church in the Holy Land, or the president of Bethlehem Bible College, I witnessed that CMEP has been a steadfast voice for peace, justice, and human dignity in a region too often defined by conflict, persecution and recently genocidal war in Gaza and beyond.
CMEP, led by Mae Cannon, has led this consortium of diverse Christian denominations. They have skillfully bridged faith and advocacy, mobilizing Christians across the United States to champion policies that promote a just, lasting resolution to end the Israeli occupation of Palestine and to try to stop the Genocide in Gaza.
CMEP’s work is vital because it recognizes that a peaceful future for the Middle East depends on a balanced approach that addresses the needs of all people in the region. By providing information, bringing delegations to Palestine CMEP empowers its community to seek security, human rights, and religious freedom for the Palestinians, and all people in the Middle East. Their dedication reminds us that peace is not just a political goal but a moral imperative rooted in faith and compassion. We wish all the best to CMEP and the Frank Wolf Religious Freedom Award is well-deserved. Congratulations.”
21Wilberforce President Wissam al-Saliby notes: “When I meet with pastors, Christian leaders, and philanthropists, I am often asked about the solution for Israel, Hamas, and the Palestinians. And I reply: How are we, followers of Jesus Christ, engaging (or not) and shepherding our influence for peace? The solution is, and has always been, the Church. It is about us, not about them. We need to love our neighbor, grow into peacemakers, and share hope.
Amid theological, political, and ethical distortion of Christian engagement with Jews, Palestinians, and Christians in the Holy Land and the Middle East, I commend Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) for the humility, persistence, thoughtfulness, and Gospel hopefulness of their engagement for peace in my region. We encourage more Christians to assume their role and calling as peacemakers, like CMEP and Mae Elise Cannon.”
The Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Award honors an outstanding organization or individual advancing freedom of religion or belief by standing against oppression. It is named for Congressman Frank Wolf, long recognized as the House’s “Champion of Human Rights” and “Conscience of Congress.” After serving 34 years in Congress, Wolf joined 21Wilberforce as Distinguished Senior Fellow where he contributed significantly for five years.
Congressman Wolf shared: “The Christian community is seeing great declines in numbers in this Cradle of Christianity. We see how bad things are for all religious minorities in the Middle East. In Luke 4, Jesus said the Lord sent him, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and to release the oppressed. Working together on peace in the Middle East is so important. I believe Jesus would be helping the persecuted Christians and other religious minorities of the Middle East. I am grateful for the work that Churches for Middle East Peace does to educate, elevate and advocate for all people of the Middle East based on values inherent to the Gospel.”