The Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) is pleased to welcome Michael J. Gerson as Senior Research Fellow in the Institute’s Center on Faith & International Affairs. Mr. Gerson is a columnist syndicated with the Washington Post, a contributor to Newsweek, and the author of Heroic Conservatism (HarperOne, 2007).

As Senior Research Fellow, Mr. Gerson’s work will focus on human rights, global health, and conflict resolution—issues he believes are “essential to American interests and ideals.” He will also be developing a project on the future of religious social engagement, focusing on changes that are likely to have a large influence on American politics and American’s relationship to the world.

About IGE, he says, “IGE is known for an appealing style of relational diplomacy that encourages the most basic of human rights—the right of conscience. It has also promoted a sophisticated understanding of the some of the most complex places and problems on earth.”

IGE President Chris Seiple says Mr. Gerson brings valuable experience to IGE. He believes Mr. Gerson’s “passion for religious liberty and social justice complement IGE’s commitment to promote sustainable environments for religious freedom. We are honored to have him join the IGE team.”

From 2006 to 2009, Mr. Gerson was the Roger Hertog Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). He serves on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, the Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Committee on Conscience, the Board of Directors of Bread for the World, the Initiative for Global Development Leadership Council, and the Board of Directors of the International Rescue Committee. He is Co-Chair of The Poverty Forum and Co-Chair of the Catholic/Evangelical Dialogue with Dr. Ron Sider.

Read more about Mr. Gerson here.

Read Mr. Gerson’s Washington Post column here.