IRF Roundtable Kicks Off 2025 with a Powerful Convening on Capitol Hill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C., Mar 5 – IRF Roundtable Kicks Off 2025 with a Powerful Convening on Capitol Hill
The first in-person International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable of the year convened on Monday, February 3 in the Cannon House Office Building’s Caucus Room, bringing together 200 participants in person and approximately 55 online. This significant gathering included representatives from the U.S. government, international delegates, and civil society leaders, all convening to address pressing challenges within the global IRF movement and some of the major hotspots for religious persecution.
Greg Mitchell, IRF Roundtable Co-chair and IRF Secretariat CEO, and Nadine Maenza, IRF Roundtable Co-chair and IRF Secretariat President, opened the session with remarks outlining key religious freedom concerns worldwide. Ambassador Sam Brownback and Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett followed with insights on the highly anticipated IRF Summit, which commenced the following day. Special remarks were given by Ambassador Robert Rehak, Chair of the Article 18 Alliance.
The IRF Roundtable provided a platform to discuss critical religious freedom issues in Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Colombia, Indonesia, Ghana, and beyond. Religious leaders, government officials, and NGO representatives presented urgent concerns and collaborated on potential solutions to drive meaningful multi-faith action.
Two U.S. government officials addressed the gathering:
Patrick Harvey, Senior Official, U.S. State Department Office of International Religious Freedom
Nathan Wineinger, Chief of Public Affairs, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)
Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the issues raised and emphasized the importance of the ongoing partnership between the U.S. government and civil society in advancing global religious freedom.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the #FaithUnchained Campaign, an initiative dedicated to amplifying the voices of prisoners of conscience and raising awareness about individuals persecuted for their beliefs. This campaign seeks to mobilize international support and advocacy on their behalf.
Following the Roundtable, the Congressional Working Group, co-chaired by Anna Sineva and Kyle Cristofalo, led a congressional advocacy initiative to further the IRF movement’s reach. This effort engaged approximately 160 House and Senate offices, fostering critical relationships and advancing policy discussions to protect religious freedom worldwide.
The IRF Roundtable remains committed to fostering collaboration and action among government officials, civil society leaders, and faith-based organizations to champion religious freedom for all.
All media inquiries and press communications for the IRF Roundtable are managed and facilitated by the IRF Secretariat.
For further information, please contact:
Kaylee Fisher
kfisher@irfsecretariat.org
