Washington, D.C. — The Religious Freedom Institute (RFI) proudly participated in the 2025 International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit, held from February 3 to 5, marking the largest global gathering dedicated to advancing religious freedom. This year’s summit brought together a diverse coalition of partners, including RFI and Pepperdine University, to address pressing issues surrounding religious persecution and freedom worldwide.
One of the highlights of the summit was a special breakfast session co-sponsored by RFI and Pepperdine University, which took place just before Vice President J.D. Vance addressed the audience. The session focused on the alarming rise of violent religious persecution in Africa, featuring prominent speakers such as Chief Justice of Kenya, Martha Koome; former U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback; and RFI President David Trimble. The discussion aimed to galvanize the religious freedom movement in Africa, with Trimble calling for a consensus to petition the new administration to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for the first time since 2021. The session also announced the upcoming launch of IRF Summit Africa, scheduled for June.
University Partnership Program
Under the leadership of Jim Bennett, Director of RFI’s National Center for Religious Freedom Education, RFI spearheaded the IRF Summit’s University Partnership Program. This initiative provided undergraduate and graduate students with a full-day seminar focused on religious freedom as a core human right. Participants engaged in high-impact training sessions, guided simulations, and discussions with leading figures in the field, including IRF Summit co-chairs Ambassador Sam Brownback and Katrina Lantos-Swett.
RFI Interview Booth
Throughout the summit, RFI conducted a series of interviews with key religious freedom leaders, including government officials and civil society advocates. Notable interviews included discussions with Pepperdine University President Jim Gash and RFI President David Trimble, who shared insights on their partnership and the forthcoming Statesmanship and Religious Freedom Seminar at Pepperdine’s Malibu campus. RFI also featured interviews with rising leaders in the movement, such as Anna Bryner, a former RFI research assistant now making strides as a lawyer.
Town Hall: Cross Section of the Religious Freedom Movement
A panel discussion titled “Town Hall: Cross Section of the Religious Freedom Movement” brought together experts from various sectors to explore how the movement can better coordinate efforts across disciplines. Speakers included Lauren Green, Chief Religion Correspondent at Fox News; Nadine Maenza, President of the IRF Secretariat; and Myal Greene, CEO of World Relief, among others.
Additional RFI Contributions at the Summit
RFI also contributed to several other events during the summit, including a panel on “Apostasy and Blasphemy Laws,” featuring RFI’s Paul Marshall, and a discussion on “Protecting Religious Freedom in Iraq,” moderated by RFI’s Jeremy Barker.
On February 6, RFI President David Trimble spoke at the Religious Freedom in America Conference, an initiative by the National Council for Religious Freedom. Trimble addressed contemporary challenges to religious freedom in American education, highlighting issues such as radical gender ideology and its impact on parental rights. He discussed ongoing legal battles in Montgomery County, Maryland, and Oklahoma, where RFI has actively supported parents and religious organizations in their fight for educational freedom.
Conclusion
The 2025 IRF Summit served as a vital platform for RFI to advocate for religious freedom and engage with leaders from around the world. As the organization continues to champion the cause of religious liberty, it remains committed to fostering dialogue, education, and action to protect this fundamental human right for all.