New York, NY – The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) hosted its annual Religion and Foreign Policy Workshop on February 11-12, 2025, bringing together high-level congregational and lay leaders, scholars, and representatives from faith-based organizations across the United States. The workshop aimed to foster dialogue on pressing global concerns, including international religious freedom, peacebuilding, and the role of faith in foreign policy.
The event, made possible by the generous support of the Ford Foundation, featured a series of panels that engaged policymakers, CFR fellows, and experts in discussions about the intersection of religion and international relations.
Session Highlights
Session I: Sustaining Bipartisan Religious Engagement in U.S. Foreign Policy
The first panel focused on how faith-based initiatives can be maintained across changing U.S. presidential administrations. Speakers included Samah Norquist, Melissa Rogers, and Knox Thames, with Peter Mandaville presiding. The discussion emphasized the importance of bipartisan support for religious engagement in foreign policy, highlighting the need for consistent advocacy regardless of political shifts.
Session II: Faith, Peacebuilding, and Reconciliation
The second session examined the role of faith in peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts. Speakers Prashan De Visser, Josefina Echavarría Álvarez, and Paul B. Stares discussed sustainable approaches to fostering dialogue across religious and ethnic lines. Azza Karam presided over this session, which underscored the potential of faith-based organizations to contribute to conflict resolution and social cohesion.
Session III: International Religious Freedom
The third panel, moderated by Burton L. Visotzky, addressed the state of international religious freedom and the challenges facing religious minorities worldwide. Panelists included Mohamed Elsanousi, Nazila Ghanea, and Wai Wai Nu, who shared personal experiences and insights into the complexities of advocating for religious freedom in various contexts. The discussion highlighted the need for collaboration between policymakers and religious leaders to uphold freedom of religion or belief globally.
Wai Wai Nu, a Rohingya activist and former political prisoner, shared her harrowing journey of fleeing Myanmar due to persecution. “When religious freedom is violated in one place, there’s always the potential for it to go farther,” she warned, emphasizing the interconnectedness of religious freedoms across the globe.
Session IV: Global Hot Spots
The final session examined how faith traditions influence geopolitical flashpoints, from the weaponization of religious identity in conflict zones to the role of religious leaders in peacebuilding efforts. Speakers Ebenezer Obadare, Shannon K. O’Neil, and Farah Pandith discussed the implications of religious identity in contemporary conflicts and the potential for faith leaders to mediate peace.
Simran Jeet Singh presided over this session, which underscored the critical role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges and fostering understanding among diverse communities.
Conclusion
The CFR’s Religion and Foreign Policy Workshop provided a platform for meaningful dialogue on the intersection of faith and international relations. As global challenges continue to evolve, the insights shared during the workshop will contribute to ongoing efforts to promote religious freedom, peacebuilding, and collaborative approaches to foreign policy.
For more information about the conference and previous years’ events, please visit the CFR website.
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