![]() But we’ve also seen certain non-state actors – including terrorist organizations like Daesh, al-Qaida, al-Shabaab, Boko Haram – posing a major threat to religious freedom. Now, it used to be that our annual reports focused almost exclusively on the actions of states. That’s why no nation can fulfil its potential if its people are denied the right to freely choose and openly practice their faith. Far from a vulnerability or weakness, religious pluralism shows respect for the beliefs of every citizen and gives each a tangible reason to contribute to the success of the entire society. When a government denies religious liberty, it turns citizens who have done nothing wrong into criminals, igniting tension that breeds contempt, hopelessness, alienation. Our message is simple: Societies tend to be stronger, wealthier, safer, and more stable when their citizens fully enjoy the rights to which they are entitled. This report, which is based on a wealth of objective research, is one of many ways we give life to that advocacy. But every country has an obligation to respect religious liberty and freedom of conscience we encourage every country to do so. Bigotry and intolerance can be found in every part of the world, including the United States. ![]() ![]() Put that together and that makes 50 full-time State Department personnel focused entirely on religious freedom and the role of religion in foreign affairs, working closely with 199 Foreign Service officers in our embassies and consulates across the globe to produce the report that we’re putting out today.Īs Secretary Kerry has said, the purpose of this annual report is not to lecture it is to inform, to encourage, and ultimately, to persuade. We’ve created a new Religion and Global Affairs Office under the outstanding leadership of Shaun Casey. We’ve grown the Religious Freedom Office steadily over the last several years. Our abiding commitment is affirmed by the priority we’ve given to defending and championing international religious freedom everywhere, but especially where it is under threat. ![]()
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