Lahore/Washington: Faith & Freedom News (FFN) has welcomed the nomination of Cissie Graham Lynch, daughter of evangelist Franklin Graham and granddaughter of the late Rev. Billy Graham, by U.S. President Donald J. Trump to serve as the United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom.

The position, housed within the U.S. Department of State, plays a key role in advancing religious liberty worldwide and engaging governments, faith leaders, and civil society organizations on issues related to freedom of religion or belief.

Announcing the nomination, Cissie Graham Lynch said she was honored by President Trump’s confidence in her and viewed the opportunity as both a privilege and a responsibility.

“President Donald J. Trump has asked me to serve as the U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom. I would consider it a great honor and privilege to do so.”

— Cissie Graham Lynch

She added that, if confirmed by the U.S. Senate, she would work to protect and promote religious freedom globally and asked supporters to pray that she would serve with excellence and make the most of every opportunity to defend what she described as a fundamental human right.

Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, praised his daughter’s nomination, describing her as uniquely qualified for the role due to her extensive international experience and longstanding engagement with religious freedom issues.

Three Generations of Faith-Based Public Life

A line of advocacy spanning six decades, from global evangelism to international religious-freedom diplomacy.
BG Rev. Billy Graham Global evangelist (d. 2018) FG Franklin Graham President, BGEA & Samaritan’s Purse CGL Cissie Graham Lynch Nominee, Amb.-at-Large for IRF

“Cissie is uniquely qualified for this — she has traveled the world and been a student of this issue for many years. She has a broad worldview and knowledge of the issues facing religious freedom today.”

— Franklin Graham

He expressed confidence that, if confirmed, she would bring passion and commitment to defending religious liberty and asked people to pray for wisdom and strength as she prepares for the confirmation process.

What the Office Does

The Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom is the U.S. government’s principal advocate on freedom of religion or belief, operating out of the State Department’s Office of International Religious Freedom.

Global Engagement

Works with governments, faith leaders and civil society worldwide on religious liberty.

State Department Role

Reports on the status of religious freedom and shapes U.S. foreign policy responses.

Advocacy for Minorities

Champions the rights of persecuted religious minorities and communities at risk.

FFN Statement

Faith & Freedom News welcomed the nomination, describing it as a significant development for advocates of religious liberty around the world.

In a statement, FFN said that Cissie Graham Lynch’s longstanding commitment to faith-based humanitarian work, international engagement, and religious freedom advocacy positions her well for the responsibilities of the office.

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Religious freedom remains one of the most pressing human rights challenges of our time. Millions of people across the world continue to face discrimination, persecution, violence, and restrictions because of their faith. We welcome the nomination of Cissie Graham Lynch and hope that her leadership will strengthen international efforts to defend freedom of religion or belief for all people.

FAITH & FREEDOM NEWS, EDITORIAL STATEMENT

FFN further noted that communities affected by religious persecution — including religious minorities in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and other regions — look to global leaders and institutions to champion their rights and dignity.

Regions FFN Follows Most Closely

  • South Asia — religious minority communities
  • Middle East — persecuted faith groups
  • Africa — communities facing discrimination and violence

As the confirmation process moves forward, FFN will continue to follow developments closely, reporting on how the incoming Ambassador-at-Large’s leadership may shape international efforts to protect freedom of religion or belief for communities across South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.