This January, the IRF Summit united a diverse coalition of over ninety organizations representing more than thirty distinct faith traditions in Washington DC. This two-day summit serves as a platform for advocates dedicated to promoting and discussing the right of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) worldwide.
Attendees engaged in both breakout and plenary sessions that covered current discussions related to FoRB globally, e.g. priorities for administrations, responses to crimes against humanity, tools for justice and accountability, interfaith alliances, transnational repression, and engagement with international institutions.
For the first time, the event saw the presence of the current US Vice President. There was also substantial representation from the UK at the Summit. Attendees included Lizzie Francis, Legal Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International, and Brendan O’Hara MP, and Miles Windsor of RFI.
For Lizzie, the summit provided an important opportunity to advocate for those whose religious freedoms are under threat. She challenged attendees to consider the importance of standing up for the rights of others, saying, “We must care about our neighbor so much that we are willing to fight and advocate for them”. Lizzie emphasized that defending global religious freedom requires truth, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice.
David Smith, UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, reminded us of the power of unity and acknowledged the critical role of international cooperation in advancing religious freedom worldwide.
Archbishop Angaelos from the Coptic Orthodox Church and Bishop Philip Mounstephen each led prayers on behalf of those suffering from religious persecution around the world. Their presence underscored the moral and spiritual importance of standing in solidarity with persecuted individuals.
Throughout the summit, attendees explored several key topics:
- Building on the success of the global IRF movement
- The intersection of FoRB and democracy
- Advocacy strategies for protecting religious minorities
- How governments and faith-based organizations can work together to protect religious freedoms worldwide
- The threat of transnational repression to human rights defenders
- Policing religion in the secularized west
The IRF Summit is a platform where a diverse group of stakeholders can advance FoRB through collaborating with and learning from one another, all while renewing their collective commitment to protecting religious liberty and upholding justice for all.