What People are Saying

"I respect IGE tremendously for its quiet, nuanced approach that is yielding real results in some of the most difficult regions in the world."

Madeleine Albright
Former U.S. Secretary of State

"IGE's innovative and comprehensive approach to religious freedom builds bridges between diplomacy, development, and defense. IGE's ability to operate at the nexus of the public and private spheres—in a relational and relevant manner—is a model for all of us."

Brady Anderson
Former USAID administrator

"Evangelicals ought to support the work of... the Institute for Global Engagement and other Christians doing faith-based, relational diplomacy in Muslim countries. Such peacemaking is exemplary."

Christianity Today
April 2007

"What impresses me most about IGE is their willingness to live out their beliefs. If you stick to your beliefs you will help humanity. When you follow your heart sincerely you can bring people together. With humble little efforts, big things can happen."

Akram Khan Durrani
Former Chief Minister, Pakistan's NWFP

"I applaud the important policy work and academic initiatives that IGE is undertaking to further greater respect and reconciliation among Christian and Muslims. Their significant efforts will undoubtedly expand the boundaries of religious freedom in the world."

Dr. John L. Esposito
Professor of Islamic Studies and Founding Director of the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Georgetown University

"IGE's relational diplomacy names and respects theological differences while seizing upon common values and interests that build practical bridges between the heart and mind. The result is a remarkably innovative approach to religious freedom that builds peace in new and much needed ways while deepening our understanding of the complex issues at stake."

Dr. Marc Gopin
James H. Laue Professor of Religion, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University

"IGE is providing vital leadership and a uniquely thoughtful platform for taking on some of the toughest battles for religious freedom in the world. IGE brings careful scholarship and practical expertise to the front lines of this fundamental struggle and is worthy of our vigorous encouragement and support."

Gary Haugen
President, International Justice Mission

"IGE's thoughtful approach seeks to build relationships based on respect, the foundational understanding of the God-given dignity and value of every human being. This organization puts listening first, and seeks to understand before engaging. Far from ignoring the vital role of faith in many people's lives, IGE seeks to build on common values that can unite people of different faiths while respecting each other's genuine theological differences. IGE is truly building peace a person at a time."

Karen Hughes
Former Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, US State Department

"The Institute for Global Engagement has done what few others are able or willing to do—engage governments and religious communities on their own terms, forming practical solutions together that truly foster sustainable freedom."

Doug Johnston
President, International Center for Religion & Diplomacy

"The Institute for Global Engagement uniquely combines nimble innovation in education with a commitment to placing dignity and faith at the center of public discussion of the world's well-being"

Mark P. Lagon
Former U.S. Ambassador

"Too few people of faith are willing to form friendships with those unlike themselves; by doing this, IGE is helping to solve global problems with other faith traditions by emphasizing shared values and overcoming stereotypes. IGE is a model of what effective, international faith-based engagement can accomplish."

Andrew Natsios
Distinguished Professor, Georgetown University; former Administrator of USAID

"A visionary organization, IGE is at the leading edge of research and advocacy on religious freedom."

Dr. Daniel Philpott
University of Notre Dame

"I would like to express my appreciation and thanks to the people at IGE... I'm sure that with such kind of spiritual cooperation we should go ahead and continue toward reconciliation to build the relations between Vietnam and the United States of America in all fields, in all relations, in all areas, even in the most sensitive areas."

Mr. Vu Xuan Hong
President, Vietnam Union of Friendship Organization

"IGE's singular approach linking religion to security has helped in furthering religious freedom initiatives in some of the world's most challenging regions."

Gen. Anthony Charles Zinni, USMC (Ret.)
Former Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Central Command