US State Department Archives

‘World of faith under siege,’ with threats ‘multiplying’ daily, says Smith

Catholic News Service, Church in the US
Jul 24, 2019

The world is “filled with people in need,” including the unborn, trafficking victims, those “suffering the agonies of addiction and abuse, people with disabilities and still others facing famine and disease,” said U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey.

U.S. and Britain putting a new emphasis on religious freedom abroad

News Analysis
Jul 12, 2019

Next week, U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo will host the second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. Last year’s event was the largest ever global meeting on religious liberty, and Pompeo said it was evidence that the administration of President Donald Trump has made religious freedom “a

Report details attacks on, abuses against religious freedom worldwide

Catholic News Service, Church in the US
Jun 26, 2019

The State Department’s newly released annual report on international religious freedom shows continued attacks and abuse by governments and societies against religious minorities in their respective countries.

Irish nun receives Women of Courage Award for work in South Sudan

Catholic News Service, Church in Africa
Mar 8, 2019

Spreading the Gospel in a place where hate or love are doled out based on tribal membership is a hard task but, since 2008, Sister Orla Treacy of the Irish Loreto Sisters has risen to the occasion. On March 7, the day before International Women’s Day, she was recognized again for her efforts.

US downgrades Pakistan in religious freedom rankings

Associated Press, Church in Asia/Oceania
Dec 11, 2018

The Trump administration on Tuesday placed Pakistan on its annual list of worst offenders for nations that infringe on religious freedom.

Pence announces Genocide Recovery Program for Iraqi minorities

Catholic News Agency, Church in the US
Jul 27, 2018

Vice President Mike Pence announced the establishment of the Genocide Recovery and Persecution Response Program on Thursday “to rapidly deliver aid to persecuted communities, beginning with Iraq.”