The ERLC strongly urges the Senate to prioritize and expedite the hearing for confirmation of Ambassador-Designate Mark Walker. President Trump appointed him to serve as Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. As a committed Southern Baptist, former pastor, and proven advocate for religious freedom, Mr. Walker is well-qualified to serve in this critical diplomatic role. His confirmation would signal the United States’ continued leadership in defending religious liberty around the world.
In this letter to Chairman Risch of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, the ERLC highlights that as the global landscape grows increasingly hostile toward religious expression and belief, it is critical that this key diplomatic position not remain vacant. From violent extremism in Nigeria to the authoritarian persecution of the Uyghur people and other religious minorities in China, there are far too many countries where freedom of religion is under grave assault and where American diplomatic leadership is urgently needed.
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.
The ERLC previously urged the Trump administration to appoint a qualified Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom—a charge the administration fulfilled—and now it is time for Congress to do its part by moving swiftly to confirm President Trump’s nominee to this critical post.
