State Department
Trump’s refugee cap compromises the US economy and American identity
By Scott Arbeiter — November 1, 2019
(RNS) — Before 2017, the US took in more refugees in a given year than all the other countries in the world. Thanks to the drastic reduction in US refugee admissions, other countries are outstripping us as the land of opportunity.
Trump aims to protect persecuted Christians, but some aren’t sure he’s helping
By Jack Jenkins — July 25, 2019
WASHINGTON (RNS) — An increasingly vocal band of advocates and experts says the Trump administration’s refugee policies are out of sync with its promises to protect religious minorities from persecution, especially Christians, Yazidis and other groups in the Middle East.
As religious freedom summit ends, State Department announces new alliance, sanctions
By Adelle M. Banks — July 18, 2019
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Many of the survivors of religious violence who spoke at the summit reminded attendees of those who remain persecuted for their faith across the world.
Don’t write off the State Department’s new Commission on Unalienable Rights just yet
By Mark Silk — July 17, 2019
(RNS) — The commission chair's view of human rights is not as cramped as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's announcement might lead us to believe.
Brunson at religious freedom summit: ‘It’s wonderful that I can be here in person’
By Adelle M. Banks — July 17, 2019
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Brunson said his detention in Turkey made him value his religious liberty more deeply. 'I was isolated. I was the only Christian there, so to be back with other Christians is so important.'
Religious freedom summit opens with stories of religious violence and resilience
By Adelle M. Banks — July 16, 2019
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback said the Trump administration wants to ramp up attention to killings and persecution based on religious beliefs and reverse trends that show they are often on the increase in countries across the world.
Brownback wants religious freedom summit to spark ‘global grassroots movement’
By Adelle M. Banks — July 12, 2019
WASHINGTON (RNS) — But some critics don’t have much faith that the summit will lead to substantive results.
USCIRF report: China, two dozen other countries top religious freedom offenders list
By Adelle M. Banks — April 29, 2019
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom concluded in its Monday report that 'innumerable believers and nonbelievers across the globe continued in 2018 to experience manifold suffering due to their beliefs.'
Religious, civil rights groups ask Pompeo to request expert probe of US racism
By Adelle M. Banks — March 22, 2019
(RNS) — 'We are deeply concerned by credible reports indicating a frightening resurgence in white supremacy,' the groups told the secretary of state.
Trump White House faith outreach a picture of selective access
By Adelle M. Banks — October 5, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The White House says its administration 'continues to engage hundreds of faith leaders on various issues that directly impact their communities,’ but some say they’re not in that number.
State Department religious freedom summit ends with commitments, critiques
By Adelle M. Banks — July 27, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Administration supporters who are also religious freedom advocates spoke in glowing terms about the significance of the gathering. But outside observers are less impressed.
Pence threatens Turkey over detained US pastor
By Adelle M. Banks — July 26, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) Vice President Mike Pence used a State Department summit of foreign ministers and religious leaders to announce new initiatives and call on Turkey to release U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson.
Stop the ‘weaponization’ of religion in Pakistani politics
By Johnnie Moore — July 24, 2018
(RNS) For Pakistan’s Christians and minority Ahmadi Muslims, the run-up to Wednesday’s (July 25) elections has been terrifying. Now, without sustained pressure on the vote's winners, the country's religious minorities will soon face an existential threat.
Brownback opens religious freedom summit with plea to fight persecution
By Adelle M. Banks — July 24, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'We must move to a place where people genuinely care and love one another, no matter our differences,' said the religious freedom ambassador at the interfaith, international summit.
Interfaith leaders join Jews in call for new envoy to fight anti-Semitism
By Adelle M. Banks — May 17, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'Mr. Secretary, anti-Semitism starts with Jews, but doesn't end there: when any minority is threatened, everyone is less safe,' the signatories told Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
