May 4 will see the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, as it has every year since 1875 on the first Saturday in May. Growing up in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, I've watched the Derby all my life. Upon leaving the state, I was surprised to learn that the entire world doesn't shut down on Derby Day. However, it's the closest thing to a national holiday in Kentucky, with TV sets tuned to watch all 14 races at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville. Despite having now spent most of my life outside of Kentucky, I still feel a surge of pride when the sporting world turns its at ..read more

Religious freedom is under attack in Ukraine. Not from Ukrainian lawmakers, as some critics have falsely alleged, but from actual Russian soldiers. A forgotten element of Russia’s war on Ukraine is its calculated destruction of churches and religious sites, part of Putin's physical and spiritual assault against the Ukrainian people. The U.S. must help Ukraine with both. Russian aggression has focused on achieving physical and spiritual hegemony over Ukraine. This combination was most recently seen in late March, when the World Russian People’s Council adopted a statement overseen ..read more

Check out this thoughtful discussion I helped convene at Pepperdine University with former international religious freedom ambassadors Sam Brownback and Rabbi David Saperstein on maintaining bipartisan agreement on the issue. I worked with both during my time at the State Department, so I was pleased to bring them to campus, as they are two of the finest human rights advocates I know. You can find the full discussion here and my framing remarks here ..read more

The Western Hemisphere is generally known for protecting freedom of religion or belief. With a few notable exceptions, the countries of the region all enshrine religious freedom at the constitutional level and protect it through laws and policies. But in recent years, authoritarian governments in South America have increasingly viewed religious actors as threats to their regime’s survival and tried to control or crush independent religious activity. The stakes are high, as failing to protect religious freedom could produce dire outcomes for peace and stability. Western Hemisphere nations m ..read more

Appreciated speaking at St. Peter's by the Sea Presbyterian Church in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, on the impact of freedom of religion and belief for world peace and human rights. I shared about the importance of religious freedom as a U.S. foreign policy priority and why Christians should champion the cause of anyone facing religious persecution – be it the persecuted church or non-Christians ..read more

During Lent, will we remember those persecuted for their faith? Lent is a time of reflection. A time to prepare ourselves to remember the ultimate sacrifice Jesus Christ made for humanity on the cross. And then to celebrate his resurrection and promise of new life. Based on the suffering of Christ, Lent also provides an opportunity to remember modern day martyrs who are hurting right now because of their faith. Persecuted Christians face repression around the world, both at the hands of governments and terrorists. We must remember our suffering brothers and sisters. Yet we are called to more ..read more

Appreciated the opportunity to speak about the nexus between international religious freedom and national security at the IRF Summit. Following my remarks, I moderated a thoughtful discussion with experts in the field. The 20-minute conversation is worth your time. You can watch it ,,here ..read more

Enjoyed a rich discussion at the Army Navy Club with Dean Pete Peterson and Paolo Carozza (Notre Dame Law School) on the challenge 21st-century technology presents to freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief. Thanks to Pepperdine University School of Public Policy, the Institute for Religion and Democracy, and the META Oversight Board for convening. You can listen to the discussion ,,here ..read more

In this edition of "USIP Explains," I discussed how promoting openness to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief can help de-escalate violence and lead to better stability and security. https://youtu.be/BVeE5EpbzzA?si=wtszHuIZeDcZRvRH ..read more

As Orthodox Christmas approaches, we cannot abandon Ukraine to Russian destruction. (RNS) — Some Orthodox Christians in Ukraine will celebrate Christmas on Sunday (Jan. 7), but instead of Christmas bells, they will hear air raid sirens. The recent onslaught of missiles striking across the country reminded the world of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strategy of terror and destruction. Hopefully, the United States and others will stand with Ukraine against Russian aggression in 2024 and beyond. Religion has played a central role in the complex dynamics between Russia and Ukraine over centur ..read more