IGE Updates

In May, the U.S. State Department released its latest annual International Religious Freedom (IRF) Report. The report analyzes the state of religious freedom around the world and highlights countries in which religious persecution is especially severe. The report also demonstrates the importance of IGE’s work in key countries.

Wade Kusack, IGE’s Senior Fellow for Central Asia, traveled to Uzbekistan last month to meet with a wide spectrum of religious leaders and listen to what impact the government’s reforms have had on their communities. Wade also met with IGE’s local partners to engage in preparations for future programming scheduled for later this year.

IGE is thrilled to announce the release of our 2020 Annual Report, “Voices of Religious Freedom”.  Throughout the report you will read quotes from our partners in governments, civil society, and faith communities across the globe, as well as from supporters and members of the IGE team who have all witnessed our work and impact first-hand.

Freedom of religion and the rule of law are both recognized and protected by international human rights law. However in many countries and regions, there exist various conflicts between the practice of religious beliefs and the respect of the rule of law. In order to provide an opportunity for scholars to discuss and share their views, an international virtual conference will be held from September 28-29.

Check out the March 2021 e-newsletter!

IGE’s Center for Women, Faith & Leadership (CWFL) launched its 5th Hybrid Fellowship and 2nd Distance Learning Fellowship. The Hybrid and Distance Learning Fellowships are one-year programs for women of faith seeking to advance their leadership through skill building, as they advocate for the vulnerable and marginalized. This brings the direct impact of CWFL’s Fellowship program to 86 women of faith across 32 countries worldwide. 

IGE is pleased to announce that we have received accreditation from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) as a result of our compliance with established standards for responsible stewardship such as financial accountability, transparency, sound board governance and ethical fundraising. 

On Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021, the Institute for Global Engagement, the Religious Freedom Institute, and International Christian Voice cosponsored a virtual event to remember the life and legacy of Shahbaz Bhatti, on the 10th anniversary of his assassination.

On February 1st, the Burmese military arrested Myanmar’s top leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, along with several senior leaders from her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD). Please join IGE in praying for the safety and freedom of IGE’s Myanmar partners.