In this hyperpartisan era of American politics, international religious freedom has consistently been one aspect of American public policy that still enjoys strong bipartisan support and cooperation. Hussain has enormous credibility across a broad range of faith groups, built on years of leadership in efforts for religious freedom. His nomination has brought enthusiastic praise from groups ranging from the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and the Baptist World Alliance to the American Jewish Committee, the Anti-Defamation League and the Union for Reform Judaism, as well as widespread commendations from the Muslim community. Read more here and here.
Christians in Karnataka, India Oppose Government Survey of Churches
Members of the All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights submitted a memorandum to the State Government against the government move to conduct a survey of churches in Karnataka and the proposed anti-conversion law. Such surveys are dangerous in view of the conversion bogey and anti-religious feelings being whipped up resulting in targeting of places of worship, priests, pastors, and sisters. Read more.
Winter Olympics: IOC says China human rights ‘not within’ remit
IOC Vice President John Coates on Wednesday rejected calls from rights groups and US lawmakers for the IOC to postpone next year’s games and relocate the event unless China ends what the United States has deemed continuing genocide against Uighurs and other Muslim minority groups. When asked about the treatment of the Uighur minority in China, he said the body has no mandate to act. Read more.
Global FoRB Action Summit November 4-5, 2021
‘I came to know 21Wilberforce through one of their campaigns for international religious freedom and I applied for their 2020 Emerging Leader practicum. The program was excellent with a multi-disciplinary approach. The material was practical and inspiring. What really elevated the program was the hands-on opportunity to create a campaign…to think and work collaboratively.” The 2022 virtual summit offers emerging leaders the opportunity to hear from persecuted communities, engage with IRF advocates, then work collaboratively in teams to craft a real-life advocacy campaigns for a religious prisoner of conscience. Read more.
OTHER HELPFUL LINKS
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has released the following reports:
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Violations in Russia’s Republic of Chechnya
USCIRF Releases New Report about Religious Freedom in Sri Lanka
USCIRF Releases Report Highlighting Religious Freedom Violations against Muslims in Africa