Podcasts about uscirf

Today's HeadlinesWho will shape China's next generation? Foiled assassination plot in Syria points to a need for ChristSummer Reading Clubs develop lifelong habits

Individuals imprisoned for their religion or belief continue to face state repression even upon their release. For example, in Saudi Arabia, China, and Egypt, many released prisoners face bans on leaving the country, preventing them from visiting family, speaking freely about their experiences, or finding work or residency in other countries. Such bans often have little oversight, transparency, or opportunity for appeal. In Vietnam, individuals are pressured not to speak to media or post on social media. In Nicaragua they are deported from the country as a condition for their release. Individuals in Iran may be forbidden from joining social groups or civil society organizations or face restrictions on their religious activities. They also may be sent into internal exile, miles away from their family and friends. In this episode of USCIRF Spotlight, Chair Vicky Hartzler speaks with Freedom House President Gerardo Berthin about individuals who continue to face restrictions on their religious freedom even after leaving prison. The episode highlights USCIRF-recommended CPC and SWL countries where such practices are in place and discusses policy recommendations for Congress and the administration to hold accountable governments engaged in these restrictions. 

Today's HeadlinesYears of a “perpetual spiral of instabilities” leaves the DRC vulnerableNew movement in Raymond Koh caseWhen geopolitical tensions interfere with Bible distribution

This past weekend, with Easter celebrations around the corner, Christians in Syria were once again the target of attacks that have rocked their dwindling community. This was the latest in a string of attacks since the fall of the Assad regime that have targeted members of the country's Alawite, Druze and Christian communities, and many minorities - indigenous to the region - are asking if there is space for them in the Syria that's emerging under President al-Sharaa.  This attack also sounded alarms in Athens, and Greece is working to ensure that the protection of Christian populations in the Middle East remains on the international agenda. Aside from Syria, Greece is also concerned about Lebanon, where thousands of Christians have departed in recent years, and has raised the issue of access to the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem during Easter, which made international headlines recently. These are all issues highlighted in the US Commission on International Religious Freedom's (USCIRF) 2026 report, which also focuses on the troubling religious freedom conditions in another country in the region, Turkey. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, USCIRF is once again reiterating that the US place Turkey on its Special Watch List. Vicky Hartzler, Nadine Maenza, Vassilis Nedos, and Alexia Kalaitzi join Thanos Davelis this week as we look into USCIRF's 2026 report and Turkey's problematic record on religious freedom, the plight of Christians in Syria in the wake of another attack on this vulnerable community, and how Greece is working to ensure that the protection of Christian populations in the Middle East remains on the agenda. Taking us to our “I am HALC” segment, this week we're putting the spotlight on Dean Alonistiotis, a long-time member of HALC with a strong commitment to public service and his Chicago community. Dean's work has taken him from the city of Chicago, where he served as Director of Economic Development for the City Treasurer's Office, to his current position as Chief of Staff for Illinois State Representative Kim du Buclet. A little more info on our guests: Vicky Hartzler is the Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and a former member of the US House of Representatives. Nadine Maenza is the co-chair of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable and a former chair of USCIRF. Vassilis Nedos is Kathimerini's diplomatic and defense editor. Alexia Kalaitzi is an award-winning journalist and features reporter for Kathimerini. You can support The Greek Current by joining HALC as a member here.

Vietnam's government strictly regulates and controls religious affairs through state-approved religious organizations. Vietnamese authorities have frequently harassed, detained, arrested, and imprisoned members and advocates of unregistered religious communities that have sought to operate independently of state control. USCIRF's Victims List documents more than 90 individuals who Vietnamese authorities have detained or imprisoned under national security charges for trying to peacefully practice their faith.On this episode of the USCIRF Spotlight podcast, Commissioner Rachel Laser speaks with Quynh-Vi Tran, of Legal Initiatives for Vietnam, and the Managing Editor of the Vietnamese Magazine, to discuss Vietnam's legal system as it relates to freedom of religion or belief.

Today's HeadlinesDetainments among Yemen's Christian community, report saysSharing Christ during the Chinese New YearFaith sustains FARMS Lanka amid ongoing challenges

In June 2025, USCIRF commissioners traveled to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan to assess religious freedom conditions. During the delegation, USCIRF confirmed that both governments continue to arbitrarily apply a broad and vague legislative framework to target peaceful religious activities of independent Muslims and religious minorities. In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State place Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan on the Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom.On today's episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, Chair Vicky Hartzler, Vice Chair Asif Mahmood, and Commissioner Mohamed Elsanousi share in more detail findings from their recent travels.Read USCIRF's Kazakhstan Country Update and Kyrgyzstan Country Update to learn more about USCIRF's 2025 delegation to Central Asia.

Since 2012, USCIRF has recommended Tajikistan for designation as a Country of Particular Concern for the government's egregious, ongoing, and systematic violations of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). Among the particularly severe violations of religious freedom occurring in the country, the Tajik government regularly detains and imprisons individuals for their peaceful religious activities based on arbitrary “extremism” charges. FoRB victims largely include independent Muslims who deviate from the state's preferred interpretation of Hanafi Sunni Islam. Other FoRB victims have included Ismaili Shi'a Muslims. Recently, Muzzafar Davlatmirov, a prominent Pamiri Ismaili Shi'a Muslim cleric who was imprisoned in 2022, died in custody while serving his sentence. On this episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, Vice Chair Asif Mahmood speaks with Bakh Safarov, founder of Central Asia Consulting, about FoRB Victims in Tajikistan, including the situation of Pamiri Ismaili Shi'a Muslims.  

Pakistan's Ahmadiyya Muslim community continues to be severely and systematically persecuted by the government. The Pakistani government has enacted a series of discriminatory laws and ordinances that restrict Ahmadiyya Muslims' ability to observe their faith, including identifying as Muslim. In the first half of 2025, spikes in targeted violence against the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Pakistan have contributed to a growing climate of fear. Authorities have increasingly prevented Ahmadiyya Muslims from sacrificing animals during Eid and have conducted “preventative arrests” ahead of the religious holiday.  On today's episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, USCIRF Commissioner Stephen Schenck speaks with Amjad Khan, a lawyer and spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, on the current situation for Ahmadiyya Muslims in Pakistan.With Contributions from:Veronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Specialist, USCIRF

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Stephen Schneck, a Commissioner for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), about the vital role the independent, bipartisan commission plays in monitoring and advocating for freedom of belief worldwide. Schneck details the distinction between USCIRF's advisory role and the State Department's policy implementation, while highlighting his specific focus on the intersection of religious persecution and the global refugee crisis. The conversation delves into Schneck's background as a political philosopher and practicing Catholic, exploring how the American founders' ideals and the Catholic Church's modern embrace of inter-religious dialogue inform his approach to human rights. Finally, the two discuss the difficulties of securing tangible victories in the current geopolitical climate and the critical necessity of Congressional reauthorization to ensure the Commission can continue its work amidst rising threats to religious liberty. A political philosopher by training, Stephen Schneck retired from The Catholic University of America in 2018, after more than thirty years as a professor, department chair, and dean. At the university he was also the founder and long-time director of the Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies. He received his doctorate from the University of Notre Dame. A well-known advocate for Catholic social justice teachings in public life, Schneck currently serves on the governing boards of Catholic Climate Covenant, which advocates for environmental justice and care for creation, and of Catholic Mobilizing Network, a Catholic organization working to end the death penalty and advance restorative justice. His writings appear regularly in the religious media and he is a frequent commentator on Catholic matters for national and international news services. Previously, he was the executive director of Franciscan Action Network, which promotes environmental, economic, racial, and social justice on behalf of the Franciscan communities of the United States. He served the administration of President Barack Obama as a member of the White House Advisory Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Born and raised in Clinton, Iowa, Schneck now lives with his wife, Suzanne, on Bald Head Island, North Carolina.

Cuba and Nicaragua have ranked among the world's most repressive governments toward religious freedom for years. In 2025, exiles and civil society organizations reported continuing severe restrictions on religious communities, including the banning of religious processions, surveillance and harassment of clergy, and legal constriction of religious groups. In some regards, the level of repression is escalating, considering indicators such as the re-imprisonment in June of a freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) victim previously released in January and the deaths of two religious freedom defenders in Nicaraguan custody in August. USCIRF has designated both nations as Countries of Particular Concern since its 2023 Annual Report. On this episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, Commissioner Maureen Ferguson speaks with Anna Lee Stangl, joint Director of Advocacy and Latin America team leader at Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), about the violations facing religious communities in Cuba and Nicaragua. Read USCIRF's 2025 Annual Report Chapters on Cuba and Nicaragua. With Contributions from:Veronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Specialist, USCIRF

Top headlines for Monday, November 17, 2025The Babylon Bee pulls a joke about Megyn Kelly after backlash, a Texas judge allows a defamation suit against Gateway Church to move forward, and a USCIRF witness warns of escalating threats to Christians in Syria. Plus, several liberal faith groups issue a bold statement declaring transgender identity “holy,” directly challenging Catholic leadership. 00:11 Babylon Bee pulls story joking about Israel killing Megyn Kelly01:00 Judge greenlights Cindy Clemishire's defamation lawsuit01:48 Pastor Jamal Bryant offers prayer, aid to Jamaica02:34 Trump must pressure Syria to protect Christians, expert warns03:29 Israeli arrests ISIS supporters preparing for ‘end of days' war04:14 Liberal churches 'proclaim the holiness' of transgenderism05:03 Russian courts ban more Baptist churches in continued crackdownSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsBabylon Bee pulls story joking about Israel killing Megyn Kelly | U.S.Judge greenlights Cindy Clemishire's defamation lawsuit | U.S.Pastor Jamal Bryant offers prayer, aid to Jamaica | Church & MinistriesTrump must pressure Syria to protect Christians, expert warns | WorldIsraeli arrests ISIS supporters preparing for ‘end of days' war | WorldLiberal churches 'proclaim the holiness' of transgenderism | Church & MinistriesRussian courts ban more Baptist churches in continued crackdown | World

The Eritrean government does not recognize religious communities other than the Tewahedo Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Evangelical Lutheran churches, along with Sunni Islam. As a result, there are dozens religious minorities including Jehovah's Witnesses (including several religious leaders), Baptists, and Pentecostals currently incarcerated in Eritrea. Authorities pressure prisoners to renounce their faith and ban praying aloud, singing, preaching, and possessing religious books. In 1994, police abducted Jehovah's Witness Negede Teklemariam for “conscientiously objecting to performing compulsory military service.” He remained in prison for 26 years without being formally charged. The government finally released him in 2020. In its 2025 annual report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate Eritrea as a Country of Particular Concern. On today's episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, USCIRF Supervisory Policy Analyst Scott Weiner speaks with former Eritrean religious prisoner of conscience Negede Teklemariam about his experience being imprisoned for exercising his freedom of religion or belief. Scott is also joined by John McEachin of the Jehovah's Witnesses as he discusses the general status of the Eritrean Witnesses community and possible policy changes that might offer them some relief. Read USCIRF's 2025 Annual Report Chapter on Eritrea and USCIRF's most recent Eritrea Country Update.

The U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, often referred to as the IRF Ambassador, plays a vital role in the U.S. government's promotion of international religious freedom. Pursuant to the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA), the IRF Ambassador is mandated to head the Office of International Religious Freedom, or IRF Office, at the State Department. Additional duties include serving as the principal adviser to the President and Secretary of State on matters involving religious freedom abroad and representing the United States on IRF matters diplomatically. In April, President Trump nominated Mark Walker as the next IRF Ambassador. As religious persecution increases globally, it is urgent that the Senate confirm an IRF ambassador to ensure this issue remains a priority in U.S. foreign policy and globally.  On today's episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, USCIRF Chair Hartzler and Vice Chair Mahmood speak with former IRF Ambassadors David Saperstein and Samuel Brownback to reflect on the impact of this position and share recommendations for the next Ambassador.  Read USCIRF's Factsheet on Key IRF-Related Positions, along with USCIRF's Factsheet on IRFA to learn more about the legislation establishing the IRF Ambassador position. With Contributions from:Veronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Specialist, USCIRF

China has perpetrated gross religious freedom violations against religious groups of recognized religions through its “sinicization of religion” policy. However, the government also persecutes many religious groups of unrecognized religions and spiritual movements, such as Falun Gong and Church of Almighty God, under the Article 300 of the Criminal Law. Article 300, which was adopted in 1997, punishes individuals who organize or participate in “any superstitious sect, secret society, or cult organization” (xie jiao). There are currently more than 20 groups the government recognizes as “cults” under Article 300. Increasingly, the government has also used this criminal statute to target religious groups belonging to recognized religions, particularly Protestant house churches. On today's episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, USCIRF Commissioner Mohamed Elsanousi speaks with Massimo Introvigne, Editor-In-Chief of religious liberty magazine Bitter Winter, to discuss Article 300 and its impacts on religious freedom in China.Read USCIRF's 2025 Annual Report Chapter on China. With Contributions from:Veronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Specialist, USCIRF

Religious freedom concerns are increasing in Sudan's current brutal civil war. There are increasing reports of attacks on places of worship and other incidents that violate freedom of religion or belief. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have entrenched Sudan in the war since April 2023. The subsequent four years of instability and violence have created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, placing civilians across religious, ethnic, and tribal distinctions under intense threat. Both sides have committed atrocities that the previous U.S. administration determined to be war crimes in December 2023 and as genocide in January 2025.   On today's episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler speaks with Sudanese human rights lawyer and CSW Sudan Specialist, Mohaned Elnour to discuss his experience working in human rights, specifically religious freedom and belief, in the country. The audience will hear firsthand the complex dynamics communities currently face in Sudan.  Read USCIRF's 2025 Annual Report Other Global Developments and USCIRF's most recent Sudan Issue Update. With Contributions from:Veronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Specialist, USCIRF

Not every U.S. strategic partner is a democracy, but those receiving American aid should not trample such basic freedoms as religious liberty. Years ago in Egypt, Coptic Patriarch Pope Tawadros II told host Cliff May that discrimination was diminishing under President Sissi. Today, USCIRF reports show the opposite: systemic repression of religious minorities.FDD's Mariam Wahba, writing recently in The Free Press, calls out the “brazen attacks on Christianity” in Egypt and beyond. She joins Cliff to discuss what's gone wrong — and why it matters — on Foreign Podicy.

Not every U.S. strategic partner is a democracy, but those receiving American aid should not trample such basic freedoms as religious liberty. Years ago in Egypt, Coptic Patriarch Pope Tawadros II told host Cliff May that discrimination was diminishing under President Sissi. Today, USCIRF reports show the opposite: systemic repression of religious minorities.FDD's Mariam Wahba, writing recently in The Free Press, calls out the “brazen attacks on Christianity” in Egypt and beyond. She joins Cliff to discuss what's gone wrong — and why it matters — on Foreign Podicy.

The Nigerian federal government enforces blasphemy laws that include a penalty of up to two years' imprisonment for acts “persons consider as a public insult on their religion.” Twelve Nigerian state governments also enforce their own more stringent blasphemy laws to prosecute and imprison individuals perceived to have insulted religion, including Christians, Muslims, and humanists. There are now four Nigerians incarcerated and convicted of blasphemy, including two religious leaders. In 2021, police arrested humanist Mubarak Bala for “insulting the Prophet,” and in 2022, a court sentenced him to decades in prison. Following an international outcry, an appeals court reduced his sentence to five years and released him in 2024. Mr. Bala, formerly the president of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, is living abroad while his sentence in under appeal. In its 2025 annual report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. On today's episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, USCIRF Commissioner Mohamed Elsanousi speaks with humanist Mubarak Bala to discuss his experience of prosecution and imprisonment under Nigeria's blasphemy laws and how these laws impact religious freedom and belief in the country. Read USCIRF's 2025 Annual Report Chapter on Nigeria and USCIRF's most recent Nigeria Country Update.With Contributions from:Veronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Specialist, USCIRF

One of the most important elements of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 is the requirement for the U.S. Secretary of State to designate the world's worst violators of religious freedom as Countries of Particular Concern and to enact accountability measures as a result of those designations. Subsequent legislation created a Special Watch List for other countries with significant violations and created a new category of Entities of Particular Concern for nonstate actors that commit such violations and control territory. However, the State Department last released its designations nearly two years ago, in December 2023—and they are now set to expire later this year. On today's episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, USCIRF Commissioner Stephen Schneck joins Deputy Director of Research and Policy Kurt Werthmuller to discuss the importance of the State Departments CPC, SWL, and EPC designations, as well as to share reflections on his time as USCIRF Chair over the previous year. Read USCIRF's 2025 Annual Report—including its current CPC, SWL, and EPC recommendations—and the U.S. legislation behind these designations.With Contributions from:Kurt Werthmuller, Deputy Director of Research and Policy, USCIRFVeronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Specialist, USCIRF

This week on VOMOz Radio. Vicky Hartzler, the current chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), shares about her role in reporting on and seeking religious freedom for our brothers and sisters in restricted areas and hostile nations. She also shares her own experiences of advocating on behalf of persecuted Christians directly to leaders of other nations. Listen for ways you can pray for USCIRF's work and for followers of Christ working in government to advance religious freedom around the world.

Established 28 years ago by Congress, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is charged with monitoring religious persecution around the world, reporting to Congress, the President, and the Secretary of State and making recommendations on advancing religious freedom through US foreign policy. Vicky Hartzler is the current chair of USCIRF. Prior to that appointment, she served in Congress from the state of Missouri. Even before her service in Congress, Hartzler came with a group from her church to volunteer at The Voice of the Martyrs. Listen as she shares more about her role in reporting on and seeking religious freedom for our brothers and sisters in restricted areas and hostile nations. She'll also share her own experiences of advocating on behalf of persecuted Christians directly to leaders of other nations. After getting VOM's monthly magazine and reading Richard Wurmbrand's story in Tortured for Christ, her eyes were opened to Christian persecution and she was moved to pray for our persecuted Christian family, taking Hebrews 13:3 to heart. Hartzler was impacted by her time serving at VOM. Her heart was also moved when she met a Chinese Christian woman at her church. The woman shared how she'd felt alone in solitary confinement in China—until she had a vision from the Lord of people praying for her. “God may be enabling somebody in prison to see and to hear our prayers—and to be encouraged,” Hartzler says. In Congress, Hartzler adopted three Christian prisoners in China to advocate on behalf of. Pastor Wang Yi—one of the three—is still in prison, serving out his nine-year sentence. You can write a letter to him, and petition government officials on his behalf, at PrisonerAlert.com. Listen for ways you can pray for USCIRF's work and for followers of Christ working in government to advance religious freedom around the world. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as provide free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

China has been described as the “most prolific,” “sophisticated, far-reaching, and comprehensive” perpetrator of transnational repression in the world. It has targeted many religious communities in diaspora, including Uyghur Muslims, Protestant Christians, Tibetan Buddhists, Falun Gong practitioners, and members of the Church of Almighty God. Specific transnational repression tactics used by the Chinese government include stalking, harassment, intimidation or threats, assault, kidnapping, forcing or coercing the victim to return to China, and threatening or detaining family members in China. In its 2025 annual report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate China as a Country of Particular Concern.  On today's episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler joins Supervisory Policy Advisor Mingzhi Chen to discuss the impact of China's transnational repression on religious freedom.  Read USCIRF's 2025 Annual Report Chapter on China and USCIRF's most recent factsheet on Sinicization of Religion: China's Coercive Religious Policy. With Contributions from:Mingzhi Chen, Supervisory Policy Advisor, USCIRFVeronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Specialist, USCIRF

The governments of Central Asia—that is Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—influenced by decades of Soviet rule, maintain similar legislation to combat “extremism.” Each of these governments uses these laws beyond just addressing legitimate security threats to penalize individuals engaged in peaceful religious activities. Enforcement measures have included harassment, fines, forced renunciations of faith, detainment, imprisonment, and, at times, torture and extrajudicial killings. On today's episode, Jasmine Cameron, the Europe and Eurasia Senior Legal Advisor at the American Bar Association, and Edward Lemon, the President of the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, join USCIRF Commissioner Asif Mahmood. They discuss the international standards for protecting core human rights while addressing security concerns and the ways in which extremism laws in Central Asia violate such standards. They also share how Central Asian states abuse extremism legislation to penalize peaceful religious activities through transnational repression. Finally, they offer recommendations for the U.S. to support religious freedom in Central Asia. Read USCIRF's Issue Update on the Abuse of Extremism Laws in Central Asia for more information on this topic. To learn more about religious freedom in Central Asia, read USCIRF's 2025 Annual Report. With Contributions from:Veronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Specialist, USCIRF

At the end of 2024, over thirteen years since the onset of Syria's protracted civil war, the country's political landscape dramatically shifted when a rebel coalition toppled the government of President Bashar al-Assad. Religious freedom conditions had suffered over the course of the civil war under a variety of state and nonstate actors. Now, in the months since the fall of the Assad regime, freedom of religion or belief faces ongoing nationwide challenges as Damascus continues its political transition under members of U.S.-designated terrorist organization HTS, itself a violator of religious freedom. Meanwhile, Turkey's military strikes and support for Islamist militias pose additional threats to diverse religious communities in the north and east. In its 2025 Annual Report USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State add Syria to the Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom. On today's episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, Former USCIRF Chair and current President of the IRF Secretariat Nadine Maenza will join USCIRF Commissioner Maureen Ferguson to discuss findings from Ms. Maenza's recent travel to Syria, including Damascus, where several religious communities face ongoing threats to religious freedom as Syria continues its transition.  Read USCIRF's 2025 Annual Report chapter on Syria and 2022 factsheet on Religious Freedom in Syria Under Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and listen to USCIRF's 2022 Spotlight episode on HTS's religious freedom violations. With Contributions from:Veronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Specialist, USCIRF

The religious freedom situation in Azerbaijan remains highly restricted. The government subjects virtually all religious practices to intrusive state oversight. Shi'a Muslims who do not operate within the government's preferred boundaries have faced imprisonment on dubious charges. Armenian religious sites in Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions remain threatened since Azerbaijan regained control. In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State maintain Azerbaijan on the Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom. On today's episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck, Commissioner Mohamed Elsanousi, and Commissioner Vicky Hartzler join Director of Research and Policy Guillermo Cantor to discuss their recent travels to Azerbaijan.Read USCIRF's 2025 Annual Report Chapter on Azerbaijan and USCIRF's most recent Azerbaijan Country Update.With Contributions from:Guillermo Cantor, Director of Research & Policy, USCIRFVeronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Specialist, USCIRF

In recent years, USCIRF has reported declining religious freedom conditions in India, as the government continues to enforce and strengthen legislation that disproportionately impacts religious minorities, including anti-conversion and cow slaughter laws. These laws often target Muslim and Christian communities. In its 2025 annual report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate India as a Country of Particular Concern. On today's episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck joins Senior Policy Analyst Sema Hasan to discuss the decline of religious freedom in India with particular focus on legislation. Read USCIRF's 2025 Annual Report Chapter on India and USCIRF's most recent India Country Update.With Contributions from:Sema Hasan, Senior Policy Analyst, USCIRFVeronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Specialist, USCIRF

Sponsored by WatersEdge: Invest with purpose? With WatersEdge Kingdom Investments, you can! We offer great rates that multiply your resources and build churches. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3CxWtFzTop headlines for Monday, March 31, 2025In this episode, we discuss warnings from a leading religious freedom advisory panel about potential negative impacts of policy changes under the Trump administration on religious rights worldwide. Next, we delve into a recent report on the Netherlands, where nearly 10,000 people chose euthanasia last year, marking a notable 10% increase from the previous year. Plus, we turn our attention to the Gaza Strip, where protests have erupted in response to Hamas rule, signaling growing discontent in the region. 00:11 Trump policy shifts will impact religious freedom: USCIRF chair01:10 Texas mosque ordered to halt alleged illegal funeral services02:17 Woman sues abortionist over perforated uterus, skull fragments03:11 Sponsor Message WatersEdge04:10 Nearly 10K in Netherlands euthanized amid 10% increase in 202405:11 Rare protests against Hamas break out in Gaza06:03 Planned Parenthood executive salaries continue to increase07:04 TD Jakes reveals he suffered heart attack: 'Such a privilege'#ReligiousFreedom #USCIRF #TrumpPolicy #ProLife #AbortionDebate #Euthanasia #GazaProtests #HamasProtest #PlannedParenthood #NonprofitTransparency #TDJakes #ChristianLeadersSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsTrump policy shifts will impact religious freedom: USCIRF chair | PoliticsTexas mosque ordered to halt alleged illegal funeral services | U.S.Woman sues abortionist over perforated uterus, skull fragments | U.S.Nearly 10K in Netherlands euthanized amid 10% increase in 2024 | WorldRare protests against Hamas break out in Gaza | WorldPlanned Parenthood executive salaries continue to increase | PoliticsTD Jakes reveals he suffered heart attack: 'Such a privilege' | Church & Ministries

With the release of the 2025 USCIRF report, Maureen Ferguson joins to discuss the religious freedom abuses against Catholics in Nicaragua.

With the release of the 2025 USCIRF report, Maureen Ferguson joins to discuss the religious freedom abuses against Catholics in Nicaragua.

Attending a thought-provoking conference on feminine genius and women in the church, the TCA team descends upon the campus of Notre Dame discussing the teachings of John Paul II, what Catholic feminism truly is, and the real role of women within the church and family. With the release of USCIRF's report on religious freedom, Maureen Ferguson joins to highlight some of the worst areas of persecution across the globe including Nicaragua and Nigeria. Msgr. Roger Landry also offers guidance as we continue our Lenten journey, urging all of us to make time for the sacrament of reconciliation. Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!

Ủy ban Tự do Tôn giáo Quốc tế Hoa Kỳ (USCIRF) vừa bày tỏ quan ngại trước sự gia tăng đàn áp của chính quyền Việt Nam đối với các nhóm tôn giáo độc lập và đề nghị Bộ Ngoại giao Hoa Kỳ đưa Việt Nam vào danh sách cần quan tâm đặc biệt (CPC).

On today's episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck joins Senior Strategic Advisor Elizabeth Cassidy to reflect on his trip to the United Kingdom. Marked by a special relationship, the United States, and the United Kingdom, aim to place a special focus on international religious freedom. Chair Schneck discusses USCIRF's key engagements held with government and civil society actors and highlights the UK's leadership role in the space.  Read USCIRF's 2024 Annual ReportWith Contributions from:Elizabeth Cassidy, Senior Strategic Advisor, USCIRFVeronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Associate, USCIRF

Modi's Triple Action - Temple Move, Dravidian Counter, USCIRF Told to Get Lost | Bharat Asserts

Ten years ago, the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) launched a campaign of mass atrocities to achieve the religious and ethnic cleansing of religious minority groups in Iraq and Syria. In 2016, the U.S. State Department determined ISIS's atrocities against Yazidis, Christians, and Shi'a Muslims constituted crimes against humanity and genocide. Ten years on, survivors face multiple threats to their religious freedom, security, and existence within their homelands.Today, Ambassador David Saperstein, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, and the Hon. Frank Wolf, former U.S. Representative (R-VA 10th) and former Commissioner at the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), join USCIRF Senior Policy Analyst Susan Bishai. They share their firsthand insight into the United States' response to ISIS's genocide and crimes against humanity, as well as offer recommendations for the U.S. to support religious freedom for the surviving communities, ten years on.Listen to USCIRF's first podcast in this series commemorating the tenth anniversary of ISIS's genocide. Read USCIRF's 2024 Annual Report Chapter on Iraq and view USCIRF's Hearing on Religious Minorities & Governance in Iraq.With Contributions from:Susan Bishai, Senior Policy Analyst, USCIRFVeronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Associate, USCIRF

Ten years ago, the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) launched a campaign of mass atrocities to achieve the religious and ethnic cleansing of Yazidis, Assyrian-Chaldean-Syriac Christians, Shi'a and Sunni Muslim Turkmens, Shabaks, and other religious minorities in Iraq and Syria. In 2016, the U.S. State Department determined ISIS's atrocities against Yazidis, Christians, and Shi'a Muslims constituted crimes against humanity and genocide. In 2019, an international coalition defeated ISIS's last territorial hold in Iraq and Syria. However, ten years on, survivors face multiple threats to their religious freedom, security, and existence within their homelands. Jamileh Naso, President, Canadian Yazidi Association; Nadia Cavner, Philanthropist and Advocate for Assyrians; and Dr. Ali Akram Albayati, Co-Founder, Turkmen Rescue Foundation join USCIRF Senior Policy Analyst Susan Bishai to discuss religious minorities' ongoing struggles to rebuild in the region.Read USCIRF's 2024 Annual Report Chapter on Iraq and view USCIRF's Hearing on Religious Minorities & Governance in Iraq.With Contributions from:Susan Bishai, Senior Policy Analyst, USCIRFVeronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Associate, USCIRF

TCA colleague Ashley McGuire joins to discuss the scandalous Paris Olympics opening ceremony calling it "a wordless display of blaspheming bigotry followed by a faux apology." She also charts us through Kamala Harris' track record when it comes to religious freedom and the unborn. We also talk with Maureen Ferguson who now serves as a USCIRF chair to discuss the troubling religious grievances that our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua face. Father Roger Landry also offers an inspiring homily to prepare us for this Sunday's Gospel. Catch the show every Saturday at 5pmET on EWTN radio!

The French government has prohibited French athletes from wearing religious garb while competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics. As such, French athletes who wish to wear religious garb are forced to choose between adhering to their sincerely held religious beliefs and competing at the highest level of sport. This tight regulation of religious expression is not unusual in France, where the government has enacted similarly strict restrictions on wearing religious garb in public spaces. France has also seen a proliferation of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred, as well as governmental anti-cult efforts negatively impacting religious organizations.  On today's episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, Supervisory Policy Analyst Scott Weiner and Researcher Luke Wilson discuss the French government's worrying restrictions on wearing religious garb in the public sphere.  With Contributions from:Scott Weiner, Supervisory Policy Analyst, USCIRFLuke Wilson, Researcher, USCIRFVeronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Associate, USCIRF

It's Monday, July 15th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Pakistan among worst violators of religious freedom The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has recommended that the State Department designate Pakistan as a “Country of Particular Concern”, citing its Islamic blasphemy laws as a prime reason for religious freedom violations, reports Morning Star News. Muslims in Pakistan continues to perpetrate widespread abuses of religious freedom, including forced conversions of Christian and Hindu girls to Islam, and targeted violence against religious minorities, according to the 2024 USCIRF report. (p.40-41) If the U.S. State Department designated Pakistan as a Country of Particular Concern, it would subject it to potential sanctions and other diplomatic measures aimed at improving religious freedom conditions. Attempted assassination of Donald Trump at campaign rally As former President Donald Trump was delivering a speech in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday evening, shots rang out, and he clutched his right ear, which was bleeding, as filmed by Fox 45 Baltimore. Just seconds before the shooting, Trump called Joe Biden the worst president in America for allowing millions of illegal immigrants to cross our Southern border. Listen. TRUMP: “And then the worst president in the history of our country took over and look what happened to our country. Probably 20 million people. And you know, that's a little bit old --  that chart. That chart's a couple of months old. And if you want to really see something that's sad, take a look at what happened. …” (audio of shots) SECRET SERVICE AGENT 1: “Get down. Get down.” SECRET SERVICE AGENT 2: “What are we doing?” Later, on his Truth Social account, Trump wrote, “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!” After those shots rang out, Secret Service agents swarmed the president, taking him to the ground while shielding him from any additional fire. SECRET SERVICE: “Shooter is down. Are we good to move? Are we clear? We're clear. Let's move. Let's move. We're clear.” As the Secret Service were ready to move him to his car, Trump asked them to wait. TRUMP:  “Wait, wait, wait.” (You can click on this link to hear everything the microphones picked up). The former president, his face smeared with blood, thrust his fist into the air and told the crowd, “Fight, fight, fight.” The crowd erupted in a tidal wave of approval, followed by chants of “USA.” CROWD: (cheers) “USA. USA. USA. USA. USA.” Eyewitness saw man with rifle bear crawling up a nearby roof The BBC interviewed an eyewitness outside the security perimeter who claimed he saw the shooter who had bear crawled up a roof with a rifle just five minutes before firing shots. EYEWITNESS 1: “We noticed the guy crawling, bear crawling, up the roof of the building beside us, 50 feet away from us. We're pointing at the guy crawling up the roof.” BBC REPORTER: “And he had a gun, right?” EYEWITNESS 1:  “He had a rifle.” REPORTER: “A rifle.” EYEWITNESS 1: “You can clearly see him with a rifle. Absolutely! We're pointing at him. The police are down there running around on the ground. We're like, ‘Hey, man, there's a guy on the roof with a rifle.' You know, we're like, ‘Hey, right here on the roof. We can see from right here. We see him.' “I'm thinking to myself, I'm like, ‘Why is Trump still speaking? Why have they not pulled him off the stage?' I'm standing there pointing at him for two or three minutes. Secret Service is looking at us from the top of the barn. I'm pointing at that roof. Next thing you know, five shots rang out.” REPORTER: “You're certain that the shots came from that guy on the roof?” EYEWITNESS 1: “100%. 100%. The roof the way the slope went, he was behind where they could see. But why is there not Secret Service on all of these roofs here? I mean, this is not a big place.” REPORTER: “You're pretty sure they shot the guy.” EYEWITNESS 1: “Absolutely. 100%. Yep.” Romans 13:3-4 says, “For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” One killed and another injured in the stands Sadly, Trump was not the only innocent person who was shot.  A Trump rally participant, who was an eyewitness to the two other people who were shot in the stands, told ABC News what he saw. EYEWITNESS 2: “I was just about, like, 30 feet from Trump. And then I saw the people that had been shot. They were bringing them down in the stands right above me. I just saw the man that was hit in the head. There was a lot of blood and I knew there was no way he was going to survive that and then there were two of them that they brought down but it was like real chaos.” ABC NEWS REPORTER: “What was going through your mind as you saw that person with tons of blood on them?” EYEWITNESS 2: “Maybe this was the shooter and that he committed suicide. I didn't think about just like someone that was in the stands.” In Trump's Truth Social post, he wrote, “Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.” EYEWITNESS 2: “Trump survived. It would have been horrible news and worst news if he had been killed. So, that's good. Every generation thinks, ‘Well, we're past that. We're not going to have any more assassination attempts.' And then you have something else.” Biden: “There's no place in America for this kind of violence.” On Saturday night, President Joe Biden made a 2-minute statement about the apparent assassination attempt, reports CNN. BIDEN: “I have tried to get a hold of Donald. He's with his doctors. Apparently, he's doing well. I plan on talking to him shortly, I hope. “Look, there's no place in America for this kind of violence. It's sick. It's sick. It's one of the reasons why we have to unite this country. “The bottom line is the Trump rally was a rally that he should have been able, to be conducted peacefully without any problem. But the idea that there's political violence or violence in America is just not appropriate. Everybody must condemn it. Everybody.” Senator Rubio: “God protected President Trump.” Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida tweeted, “God protected President Trump.” Gary Bauer, Senior Vice President of Public Policy for the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, said, “The Left has produced this vicious atmosphere with their constant demonization of Trump, of Christians, of conservatives, and pro-life activists. They have used this hate for nearly a decade. We must stand up and fight back to save our country.” And Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, told Fox News, "The attempted assassination of President Trump is evidence of the reality of evil in the world. We thank God for protecting the life of this courageous leader who is a warrior for truth and the friend of Christians everywhere." Don Lemon vs. Candace Owens on homosexual faux marriage And finally, former CNN host Don Lemon, a self-avowed homosexual, asked Candace Owens, a conservative, what she thought about his homosexual faux marriage to a man. LEMON: “What do you think about same-sex marriage?” OWENS: “It's a sin.” LEMON: “You think it's a sin?” OWENS: “It is a sin.” LEMON: “So, you think I'm sinful?” OWNS: “What's that?” LEMON: “You think I'm sinful because I'm married to a man.” OWENS: “Yeah.” LEMON: “You do?” OWENS: “Yeah. You're sinning. You are in a sinful relationship. I don't believe, I actually don't believe marriage can be between two men.” In response to Lemon's post of that clip, two of the first people to react, agreed with Candace Owens. One tweeted, “You asked a Christian what their opinion on same-sex marriage was, they gave you the Biblical response, and you're shocked?” And the other said, “It isn't enough for you to live freely with whoever you choose, you want society to approve and celebrate it too? You're greedy.” Romans 1:24 says, “Therefore, God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, July 15th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Join me Adam McManus, and my two sons, Honor and Valor, at the Colorado Father-Son retreat Thursday, August 15th through Sunday, August 18th. Go to ColoradoFatherSon.com.  Subscribe by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

In 1998, Republicans and Democrats came together to pass the International Religious Freedom Act, creating USCIRF as an independent government Commission led by a bipartisan group of nine Commissioners appointed by both political party leaders in Congress, and by the president. Twenty-five years later, USCIRF's Commissioners continue to lead the non-partisan staff to monitor egregious religious freedom violations around the world and to make independent policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress.On today's episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck and Vice Chair Eric Ueland join us to discuss USCIRF's bipartisan nature and its unique framework to ensure international religious freedom remains a bipartisan issue in U.S. foreign policy. Read USCIRF's 2024 Annual Report With Contributions from:Stephen Schneck, Chair, USCIRFEric Ueland, Vice Chair, USCIRFJamie Staley, Acting Director of Research & Policy, USCIRFVeronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Associate, USCIRF

In this interview, John Pinna speaks with Nury Turkel, a former commissioner of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), about his life experiences and work in promoting religious freedom globally. Turkel discusses his background as a Uyghur born in a re-education camp in China, his journey to the United States, and his advocacy for religious minorities. He explains the importance of the USCIRF's annual report, detailing how it designates countries of particular concern and special watch list countries based on religious freedom violations. Turkel emphasizes the significance of religious freedom as a fundamental human right and its role in U.S. foreign policy. He also addresses challenges in advocating for religious freedom, including bureaucratic resistance, global events affecting religious communities, and the need for a multifaceted approach to addressing religious persecution. The interview concludes with Turkel suggesting practical steps for advancing religious freedom globally, including working with willing countries, advocating for prisoners of conscience, and building international coalitions. https://www.nuryturkel.com/ Special Guest: Nury Turkel.

Stephen Schneck and Eric Ueland, commissioners of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), will join Elizabeth Cassidy, senior strategic advisor of USCIRF, to present the key policy recommendations of the USCIRF 2024 annual report and the foreign policy implications of international religious freedom today.  USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government agency created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act that monitors the universal right to freedom of religion or belief abroad; makes policy recommendations to the president, secretary of state, and Congress; and tracks the implementation of these recommendations. USCIRF's nine Commissioners are appointed by either the president or congressional leaders of each political party, and are supported by a non-partisan professional staff. 

This July, Turkey's illegal occupation of the northern part of Cyprus will hit the 50-year mark. 2024 also marks another Cypriot “anniversary”, the 2004 rejection of the Annan Plan for the reunification of Cyprus. Endy Zemenides, the Executive Director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council, joins Thanos Davelis to break down why the rejection of the Annan plan needs to be revisited and its historic significance reconsidered. We also look into other regional developments - from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' meeting with Turkish President Erdogan to the latest diplomatic crisis with North Macedonia.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:CYPRUS' “OXI” DAYGreece-Turkey: The modus operandi and the way aheadErdogan rebukes Greek PM for calling Hamas ‘terrorists,' says 1,000+ members being treated in TurkeyHALC calls on USCIRF to reclassify the Republic of Turkey as a Country of Particular ConcernEU to deploy hundreds of firefighters to vulnerable states ahead of wildfire season

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) just released its annual report on freedom of religion in the world. The sections on Central Asia make for grim reading. Constitutionally, people in Central Asia can practice whatever faith they choose. In practice, however, only the state-approved forms of Islam and the Russian Orthodox Church are acceptable to authorities in Central Asia. Other groups face a myriad of problems; discussions of religion posted on social networks that stray from state sanctioned norms can lead to legal repercussions. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss are Mollie Blum, a researcher at USCIRF who helped compile the data on Central Asia for the recent report, and Felix Corley, editor of the Forum 18 News Service that monitors religious freedom in the former Soviet republics and Eastern Europe.

Religious freedom remains under threat globally from concerning trends like transnational repression, blasphemy laws, attacks on religious sites, and discrimination against minorities. As we examine these challenges, it's crucial we approach them with empathy and a shared commitment to protecting this fundamental human right for all people. Working together with compassionate solutions allows us to uphold human dignity and build a more tolerant world.

Earlier this week Turkey formally opened the monastery of Chora, a former Byzantine church and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Istanbul, as a mosque. The move follows the conversion of the Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 2020, and has drawn international criticism. It also comes as the US Commission on International Religious Freedom once again recommended that Turkey be put on the special watch list for engaging in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom. Expert Tugba Tanyieri Erdemir joins Thanos Davelis to look at what this decision will mean for Chora Church, and look at the message it sends on religious freedom, especially in light of the latest USCIRF report. Tugba Tanyieri Erdemir is the coordinator of Anti-Defamation League's Task Force on Middle East Minorities, serves as the co-chair of the Middle East Working Group of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable, and is an expert on religious cultural heritage. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey formally opens another former Byzantine-era church as a mosqueUSCIRF 2024 Annual ReportNorth Macedonia elects first woman president, EU-leaning coalitionGreece extends naval advisory to deter Russian oil ship-to-ship transfers

Carmen LaBerge talks about Detroit Pistons star Jaden Ivey, and his boldness in living out and sharing his faith in Jesus.  She also talks about why Rabbi Abraham Cooper of USCIRF recently was turned away from a World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia because he was wearing a Jewish skull cap.  Patrick Morley, author of "From Broken Boy to Mended Man," talks about his boyhood brokenness, and finding healing of the wounds through the grace of God. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

In 2020 Turkey's government changed the status of Hagia Sophia from a museum into a mosque. Now, Ankara is looking to repeat this with another important UNESCO World Heritage site, Chora Church. In response, HALC has launched a petition calling on the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to exert pressure on Turkey for the protection of its Christian minorities and Christian cultural heritage. Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou joins Thanos Davelis to look at why preserving Chora Church is important, and break down how USCIRF can take action - including visiting Turkey and the occupied territories of Cyprus.Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou is a professor in the International Studies Department at Boston College, an internationally recognized leader on issues of religion and human rights, and a previous Vice Chair and Commissioner on the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.Add you name to HALC's petition to USCIRFYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey revives plan to convert another iconic Byzantine site into a mosqueDendias: After Red Sea mission, Greece seeks key role in EU defenseTurkey spy chief Kalin to meet CIA's Burns, discuss Syria on first US visit

Tom Carter worked in Washington for years, in journalism and then in PR. For three years, he handled media relations at USCIRF, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, where his boss was one Leonard Leo, a key figure in the conservative legal movement and the capture of SCOTUS. The conversation explores the background, influence, and agenda of Leonard Leo; his management style, his use of dark money, his involvement with the Federalist Society and other organizations; his connections to Clarence Thomas and other influential figures; and the extreme radical Catholic religious beliefs that animate his opposition to abortion and LGBTQ rights. The conversation also delves into the potential ramifications of Leo's actions, his expansion into the media and entertainment industry, and the future of his influence. Overall, it highlights the danger and harm caused by Leo's agenda. Plus: Cole Porter lives!Takeaways:Leonard Leo is a key figure in the conservative legal movement and has significant influence behind the scenes.Leo's use of dark money and his web of organizations have allowed him to boost the conservative legal movement and shape the Supreme Court.His radical Catholic beliefs and agenda drive his opposition to abortion and LGBTQ rights.Leo's expansion into the media and entertainment industry through the Teneo Society raises concerns about his potential influence in these areas.The real-world ramifications of Leo's actions include the erosion of democratic principles and the harm caused to marginalized communities.00:00: Episode introduction10:43: Beginning of the interview22:37: Leonard Leo's Influence and Methods25:28: Dark Money and Leonard Leo's Organizations36:55: Relationship between Leonard Leo and Clarence Thomas47:19: The Libertarian Billionaires and Leonard Leo's Agenda52:19: The Distinction between Radical Catholicism and Mainstream Catholicism1:06:26: Leo's networks1:17:27: The Virtually Unlimited Financial Resources of Leonard Leo1:32:16: The Danger and Harm Caused by Leonard Leo's ActionsFollow Tom:https://twitter.com/Thcarter5https://www.threads.net/@thcarter123Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter:https://gregolear.substack.com/aboutWould you like to tell us more about you? http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) treats people of faith “as though they carry an infectious disease [that] needs to be cured … ‘Reeducation' is a code word for human reengineering,” says Nury Turkel, chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). He was born in a reeducation camp in China during the Cultural Revolution. It's been 19 years since he last saw his mother, who remains in China.We discuss the CCP's high-tech tyranny, its war on religious faiths—detailed in a new USCIRF report—and the influence of Chinese lobbying in America.What was America's greatest strategic blunder in its relationship with the CCP? And how can it be rectified now?