New Religious-Freedom Appointments Put Global Persecution Back in Focus
USCIRF welcomes Cissie Graham Lynch's nomination and new commissioners, including former missionary captive Andrew Brunson
The short answer
USCIRF welcomed Cissie Graham Lynch's nomination as ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom and the appointments of Andrew Brunson, Robert Barron and Joe Grogan as commissioners; Lynch's role requires Senate confirmation.
International religious freedom rarely becomes the day's loudest headline. For millions whose worship, conversion or conscience can bring punishment, however, the people filling these public roles matter.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom welcomed President Donald Trump's nomination of Jane “Cissie” Lynch to serve as ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. It also welcomed Andrew Brunson, Robert Barron and Joe Grogan as commissioners. Lynch's nomination must be confirmed by the Senate.
Different Roles, Shared Responsibility
The ambassador-at-large leads the State Department's international religious-freedom work and serves as an adviser to the president and secretary of state. USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan legislative-branch commission that monitors freedom of religion or belief abroad and makes policy recommendations.
Brunson brings personal knowledge of religious imprisonment after spending two years detained in Turkey following more than two decades of pastoral service there. Personal experience does not remove the need for scrutiny; it can, however, sharpen attention to the human cost behind policy language.
Christians should pray for these leaders without confusing prayer with uncritical endorsement. The enduring measure is whether public action protects freedom of conscience for Christians and for neighbours of every faith or no faith—especially those with little political power.
Religious-freedom leadership matters most when it produces principled, accountable protection for vulnerable people across countries and beliefs.
Biblical Perspective
Paul asked believers to pray for rulers so people might live peaceful and godly lives. That prayer is neither partisan applause nor withdrawal; it asks God for wise authority and creates room for faithful witness.
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority."
— 1 Timothy 2:1–2 (NIV)
Pray With Us
God of justice, give every religious-freedom leader courage, humility and wisdom. Protect people punished for conscience and belief. Expose selective concern, strengthen principled action and help Your Church defend the dignity of every neighbour. Amen.
Declarations to Speak
- ›People of faith will not be reduced to political instruments.
- ›Leaders will be accountable to truth and justice.
- ›Vulnerable religious communities will be seen and defended.
Take Action
- 1Read USCIRF's announcement directly before sharing commentary about the appointments.
- 2Learn what the ambassador-at-large and USCIRF each actually do.
- 3Pray for one country where freedom of religion or belief is severely restricted.
- 4Contact elected representatives respectfully about a specific religious-freedom concern.
"New international religious-freedom appointments deserve prayer, careful attention and principled accountability."
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Prayer Is Powerful — So Is Action.
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Questions people are asking
Who was nominated as ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom?
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Jane “Cissie” Lynch was nominated for the role, subject to Senate confirmation.
Who joined USCIRF as commissioners?
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USCIRF welcomed the appointments of Andrew Brunson, Robert Barron and Joe Grogan.
What does USCIRF do?
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USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S. commission that monitors freedom of religion or belief abroad and makes policy recommendations.
Sources & further reading
About the Author
Daniel Ziedins
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Daniel Ziedins is the founder and editor-in-chief of Thy Kingdom News. A passionate believer with a heart for revival, missions, and seeing God's Kingdom advance across the earth, Daniel created this platform to report on what God is doing in the nations — the stories the mainstream media won't tell. He is also the creator of LoveOnTheWorldMap.com, a global initiative to map acts of God's love worldwide. Daniel believes that every testimony, every revival report, and every prayer answered is evidence that the Kingdom of God is here and advancing.
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"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority."
1 Timothy 2:1–2 (NIV)
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