Clashing Visions Threaten the Mission of U.S. Religious Liberty Panel

In Deseret News, Mark Kellner reports, “Competing versions of legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom threaten the independent panel’s autonomy and mission, some commission supporters say.” The USCIRF is widely praised for bringing attention to religious persecution worldwide, but those who advocate change say that inefficiency, poor cooperation with the State Department, and the politicization of its appointment process undermine its work. Detractors say proposed changes come too late—if legislative reauthorization is not agreed upon by September 30, the commission shuts down, pending authorization by President Obama.

Read at Deseret News

© 2011 Religion & Politics