The ERLC joined coalition groups alongside the International Religious Freedom Roundtable (IRF) in a letter addressed to the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Risch and Ranking Member Shaheen. This letter urges the swift confirmation of former Congressman Mark Walker as the next Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom.
This letter emphasizes the importance of international religious freedom as it relates to democracy, counter-terrorism, and global peace, while also highlighting the increasing global crisis of religious persecution. Walker is affirmed as a qualified individual for the role with demonstrated expertise in foreign policy and religious freedom. The confirmation will:
- (1) “reinforce the U.S’s global leadership in advancing religious freedom/other human rights” and
- (2) will “send a signal to the world that the U.S takes this issue seriously.”
Ambassador-Designate Mark Walker, a fellow Southern Baptist and former Member of Congress, is well-qualified to lead in this role. He brings a unique balance of pastoral experience and legislative leadership to this State Department post. Having served 16 years in ministry, Walker has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to faith and service. During his tenure in Congress, he was recognized for his efforts to build coalitions and earned a reputation for defending religious liberty and human rights, the kind of moral clarity and conviction the position requires. In this letter, IRF shares:
“Nominated in April 2025, Walker’s confirmation remains pending, despite the urgent need for U.S. leadership on this critical issue. The letter emphasizes that international religious freedom is vital to national security, democratic stability, and global peace, and highlights the increasing global crisis of religious persecution. The coalition affirms that Walker possesses the qualifications and commitment necessary for this high-profile diplomatic post and calls on the Senate to act quickly to fill the vacancy and reaffirm America’s dedication to this fundamental human right.”
The ERLC previously urged the Trump administration to nominate a qualified ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom and has continued to advocate for Walker’s confirmation since appointed. It is time for Congress to do their part by moving swiftly to confirm President Trump’s nominee to this critical post.
