According to the recently released United States Commission on International Religious Freedom’s 2016 Annual Report religious freedom decreased from February of 2015 to February of 2016. The report also finds that “There are increasing opportunities for the U.S. government to work in concert with like-minded nations on issues relating to freedom of religion or belief.”
At nearly 300 pages in length, the report offers in-depth insight into the work of the Commission and the state of religious freedom in those countries rated in the worst two tiers as well as select other countries of interest. The report does not consider religious freedom in the United States.
So What?
Freedom of religion is important to Americans. As debates about issues within our own borders dominate recent discussions and continue to be primary in the media, it is important to stay involved in what is happening on a global basis. As followers of the Way of Jesus we must be concerned about all people’s religious freedom not just those who live in relatively near geographic proximity or those who practice the same religion we do.
- How would you rate your current awareness of issues relating to religious freedom in nations outside of the United States?
- Has your faith community been helpful in educating you about these issues? (If so, how? / If not, does absence of focus on this issue concern you?)
Note: The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan U.S. government advisory body that was created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.