Statement by Ambassador Callista L. Gingrich
2020 Ministerial to Advance Freedom of Religion or Belief
The 2020 Ministerial to Advance Freedom of Religion or Belief will be hosted by Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Zbigniew Rau and held virtually, November 16-17 (https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/watch). U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will deliver keynote remarks.
Government and faith leaders from around the world, committed to advancing and defending religious freedom, will participate.
This ministerial will focus on ways to protect and preserve religious freedom in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, as growing restrictions prevail.
Upholding the right to religious freedom is not just a moral necessity. It is a national security imperative. When nations effectively protect religious freedom, they are safer, more prosperous, and secure.
The Ministerial to Advance Freedom of Religion or Belief is part of an international effort to defeat religious persecution and defend this unalienable human right.