International Religious Freedom Movement Gains Global Momentum Amid Rising Challenges

Rachel Miner, founder and CEO of Bellwether International, highlights in her recent opinion piece that the fight for religious freedom, while often an intellectual discussion in the U.S., is a life-or-death matter in many parts of the world.

Miner references a recent report from the Pew Research Center, which reveals that government restrictions on religion are rising, affecting 183 countries globally. This growing crisis has mobilized a diverse international coalition, including governments, civil society groups, and corporations, to defend this essential right.

Key gatherings such as the 2022 Prague Ministerial, hosted by Ambassador Robert Řehák of the Czech government, and this month’s Berlin IRFBA Ministerial underscore the commitment of nations worldwide. Leaders from more than 60 countries convened to explore ways to protect freedom of religion or belief in authoritarian states. Ambassador Řehák emphasized the importance of maintaining a global “mosaic” of beliefs, warning against regimes that seek to homogenize or suppress diverse religious expressions.

The U.S. has taken a central role in this movement. Bodies such as the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and the U.S. Department of State’s office of International Religious Freedom actively monitor violations and work to support prisoners of conscience globally. Last year, the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington D.C. gathered over 1,500 participants from 41 countries, highlighting the significance of this issue. Former Vice President Mike Pence remarked at the summit that promoting religious freedom is foundational for achieving global peace and prosperity.

Miner concludes by stressing that religious freedom is a core human right, enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The continued efforts of governments and civil society aim to safeguard this right, affirming human dignity for individuals of all beliefs worldwide.