Washington, D.C. – Vice President JD Vance, addressed the International Religious Freedom Summit, underscoring the significance of religious liberty and the role of faith in society.
Vance stressed that the free will of individuals and human dignity are fundamental principles that must be upheld, emphasizing that Christians have faced persecution both historically and in contemporary times. He stated that every individual should have the right to practice their religion freely.
Highlighting the views of the Founding Fathers, Vance pointed out that the United States remains the world’s largest majority-Christian country, with religious freedom protected as a fundamental right. However, he argued that religious liberty is not merely about legal safeguards but also about fostering a culture where faith guides communities and ensures that people respect the God-given rights of others.
Discussing the role of religion in society, Vance noted that religious belief fosters a sense of obligation toward others. He described how churches have historically served as gathering places where people from diverse backgrounds—whether corporate executives or workers—stood equal before God. He also highlighted the importance of religious institutions in charity work, including mission trips and relief efforts, urging lawmakers to uphold these values.
Reflecting on the first Trump administration’s efforts, Vance outlined critical actions taken to protect religious freedoms across the world, including in China, Africa, and the Middle East. He referenced measures taken to aid Christian communities suffering persecution and genocide at the hands of ISIS, as well as efforts to combat anti-Semitism and uphold religious liberty domestically.
Vance criticized government restrictions on religious expression, stating that Americans should not have to set aside their faith when engaging with the government. He praised former President Donald Trump for taking action to prevent federal agencies from targeting religious individuals and noted that recent steps have included issuing pardons for pro-life activists and halting federal censorship of religious speech.
Regarding international religious freedom, Vance expressed concern that U.S. taxpayer funds have been directed toward NGOs that promote atheism globally. He argued that the United States must be able to distinguish between regimes that respect religious freedom and those that do not, advocating for decisive action when violations occur.
Vance also revealed that in a second Trump administration, Marco Rubio has been nominated as Secretary of State, describing him as a strong advocate for religious liberty both domestically and abroad. He concluded by emphasizing that while progress has been made, there is still significant work to be done to secure religious freedom for all people.
