IRF 2024 #1: The Story So Far

In conversation with Fr. John Anderson, John Pinna discusses his extensive experience in the field of international religious freedom (IRF), beginning with the origins and impact of the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act. He details his past advocacy work with the American Islamic Congress, including engaging in interfaith dialogue, advocating for prisoners of conscience, and helping to organize early IRF conferences. Pinna explains his more recent work founding an initiative to engage Muslim communities globally and participating in early planning efforts to establish the annual IRF Ministerial at the State Department. He expresses concerns over global trends showing increases in religious persecution and restrictions on religious freedom, questioning the efficacy of policies meant to combat these issues.