WASHINGTON, D.C. – The International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable has expressed strong support following the announcement—shared last night on the platform X—of Congressman Mark Walker’s appointment by the Trump administration as the next U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom.
The IRF Roundtable, a diverse and non-partisan coalition of advocates committed to defending freedom of religion or belief worldwide, emphasized the importance of the Ambassador-at-Large role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and protecting vulnerable religious and belief communities around the globe. This position is pivotal in promoting religious freedom as a fundamental human right and in addressing global religious persecution.
Congressman Walker, known for his dedication to human dignity and civil liberties, brings valuable experience to the role. During his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2015 to 2021, where he represented North Carolina’s 6th District, Walker took a leading role in forging bipartisan efforts to support persecuted religious groups and to advance human rights.
Born in 1969 in Dothan, Alabama, Walker is a Baptist pastor who has served in various leadership positions in Congress, including as Chair of the Republican Study Committee and Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference. His work has consistently reflected a commitment to building inclusive coalitions and advocating for international religious freedom.
“We’re encouraged by the selection of Ambassador-designate Walker and look forward to partnering with him as he tackles the urgent challenges facing religious freedom globally,” said Nadine Maenza, President of the IRF Secretariat and Co-chair of the IRF Roundtable. “The IRF Roundtable remains dedicated to working alongside the Ambassador and the Office of International Religious Freedom to advance the rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and belief for all people.”
For over ten years, the IRF Roundtable has brought together leaders from civil society, religious communities, survivors of persecution, and policymakers to engage in open, respectful dialogue. The group firmly believes that progress in the realm of religious freedom can be achieved through collaboration and sustained diplomatic efforts grounded in a shared respect for human rights.
As the U.S. embarks on this new chapter in international religious freedom leadership, the IRF Roundtable invites continued cooperation and dialogue to meet the challenges ahead and to ensure that the right to believe—or not believe—is upheld for everyone, everywhere.
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About the IRF Roundtable:
The IRF Roundtable is an inclusive, multi-faith, and informal network of civil society representatives dedicated to promoting global religious freedom. Through open dialogue, strategic collaboration, and collective advocacy, the Roundtable works to advance freedom of religion or belief for all people, regardless of faith or background.
Originally published HERE.
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