WASHINGTON (BP) — The Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) applauds the reauthorization of a bipartisan government group created to monitor and help improve religious liberty worldwide.
Congress reauthorized for two years the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), passing a bill Sept. 23 in advance of a Sept. 30 deadline. The action extends through fiscal year 2026 the government commission created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) to monitor conditions and recommend policy to the U.S. government to broker change.
“The vital work of USCIRF helps to expose and combat violations of international religious freedom, hold governments accountable and provide helpful context for our missionary efforts,” ERLC Senior Policy Associate Allison Cantrell told Baptist Press.
ERLC was among 218 organizations and individuals that urged Congress to pass the USCIRF Reauthorization Act of 2024 in advance of the vote, in particular signing a letter by the International Religious Freedom Roundtable.
“From our various experiences, we’ve seen the Commission play a vital role as a pillar of U.S. foreign policy infrastructure by reporting on those around the world who suffer for their beliefs, conscience, or religion,” the Roundtable said in its letter. “Robust reporting products, advocating for prisoners of conscience, and resources such as a database of prisoners of conscience and victims of persecution are essential tools used by civil society advocates to advance this fundamental human right.
“Reauthorizing the USCIRF is not only a matter of principle but also a meaningful step towards fulfilling our nation’s promise to uphold this fundamental human right.”
While advocating for the two-year extension, ERLC has worked behind the scenes for the permanent reauthorization of USCIRF, and will continue to do so, Cantrell said.
“While we celebrate this two-year reauthorization of USCIRF,” she said, “the ERLC will continue to advocate for legislators to reject any attempts to expand the mandate of USCIRF and pass a permanent authorization that will allow USCIRF the stability and longevity needed to do its good work well.”
USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck thanked supporters for their help in securing the bill’s passage.
“The time and effort spent by a diverse coalition of groups and individuals, including the 218-strong-signature letter, showed members of congress that people from various backgrounds and belief groups depend on USCIRF’s independent and objective research and unflinching recommendations to the President, the State Department, and Congress in amplifying their voices to further advance freedom of religion or belief,” the Roundtable quoted Schneck in a press release.
The reauthorization act had bipartisan authorship and support, including 195 Democrats and 170 Republicans. Among Republicans, 20 voted against the measure and 30 didn’t vote; and among Democrats, 17 didn’t vote, according to the tally at C-Span.org.
Schneck posted his gratitude on X for the reauthorization in advance of the Sept. 30 deadline, pointing out its bipartisan support in Congress and advocacy among non-governmental organizations.
(EDITOR’S NOTE — Diana Chandler is Baptist Press’ senior writer.)
