02/19/2025
PRESS RELEASE
19 February 2025
Diverse Multifaith Coalition Unites to Champion International Religious Freedom on Capitol Hill
The Congressional Working Group of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable recently wrapped up an intensive two-week advocacy push in conjunction with the International Religious Freedom Summit 2025, which was held in Washington, D.C., and brought together over 1,500 participants. With more than 160 congressional offices engaged, multiple substantive meetings held, and strong bipartisan cooperation on Capitol Hill, the effort highlighted the continued urgency of freedom of religion or belief as a core U.S. foreign policy priority.
Building on these efforts, Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Chris C***s (D-DE), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) reintroduced S.Res.52, a bipartisan resolution affirming freedom of religion or belief as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. The resolution also raises alarm over the increasing threats to religious liberty worldwide. The Congressional Working Group urges additional Senate offices from both sides of the aisle to support this critical measure.
“Religious freedom is not a partisan issue—it is a universal human right that the United States has long championed. This resolution is a significant step in reinforcing our nation’s dedication to protecting this right for all people, regardless of faith or background,” said Anna Sineva, Director of Government Relations & Public Policy for the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office and co-chair of the IRF Roundtable’s Congressional Working Group.
As part of their advocacy, the Congressional Working Group, alongside a diverse multifaith coalition, engaged directly with legislators and staff across the House and Senate to stress the need for continued U.S. leadership on international freedom of religion or belief. Key events included a Congressional Kick-Off Reception in the U.S. Capitol to raise awareness of IRF issues and an IRF Roundtable event on Capitol Hill, setting the stage for in-depth policy discussions with key decision-makers.
The Congressional Working Group emphasized the dual importance of advocacy and public policy in their efforts. They leveraged the International Religious Freedom Summit to amplify advocacy for religious prisoners of conscience globally, while also building relationships on Capitol Hill to shape the broader narrative and drive meaningful policy changes.
“The bipartisan nature of our work is what makes it so impactful. Despite heightened global tensions, support for freedom of religion or belief remains strong across party lines because it is rooted in the values of human dignity and freedom,” said Kyle Cristofalo, Senior Director of Advocacy and Government Relations at Churches for Middle East Peace and co-chair of the IRF Roundtable’s Congressional Working Group.
The advocacy efforts were further strengthened through the active participation of diverse faith leaders and human rights advocates. Among those involved were representatives from the American Muslim and Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC), 21 Wilberforce, No Business With Genocide, Bellwether International, and many other advocates for international religious freedom, including allies from Pakistan, Mexico, and Vietnam, reflecting the truly global scope of freedom of religion or belief advocacy.
The International Religious Freedom Summit 2025 showcased the power of collaboration between faith communities, advocacy groups, and policymakers in advancing freedom of religion or belief worldwide. The Congressional Working Group of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable remains committed to expanding this effort and encourages broader participation in future initiatives on Capitol Hill.
IRF Secretariat
Anna Sineva
