“84 countries in the world still have blasphemy laws on the book,” Lankford stated in an impassioned speech.ĭr. James Lankford of Oklahoma delivered a speech in which he described his Senate resolution, which calls for the Department of State to make the repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws a priority in American foreign policy. Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Meeks (D-NY), Sires (D-NJ), Wagner (R-MO), Lipinski (D-IL), Buck (R-CO), and Engel (D-NY) were also recognized as IDC Congressional Champions for the year.Īctive legislation and Congressional resolutions were highlighted at the summit. Senators Shaheen (D-NH), Portman (R-OH), Markey (D-MA), Gardner (R-CO), and Reps.
In accepting the award, Crenshaw called the fight for international religious freedom “a fight we must be willing to have, because it matters,” and stated that “the fight for freedom is more important than anything else.” Crenshaw, a Navy SEAL, served in Lebanon, as well as in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Some people call you Captain America, so thank you, Captain America,” IDC President Baaklini stated as he handed Crenshaw a plaque made from Lebanese cedar. IDC President Toufic Baaklini delivered the introductory speech, thanking Trump for his Executive Order on advancing international religious freedom, commending Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and USAID Acting Administrator John Barsa for all they have done to “elevate” the issue of religious freedom around the world, and finally, thanking Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) for their work in passing the resolution to commemorate the Armenian Genocide.Ĭongressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) was named the IDC 2020 Congressional Champion Awardee. The evening began in prayer, led by Pastor Dan Cummins of Capitol Worship, who stood before a painting of Puritan settlers to America in the Capitol Rotunda – reminding of those who have fled, or are currently fleeing, religious persecution. Host Tracy Sabol, lead anchor at EWTN Nightly News, spoke live from IDC’s headquarters in Washington, DC, and the digital event included seamless transitions, with speeches given by religious leaders, including Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, and IDC board members from around the world. The bipartisan event featured speeches from prominent elected officials, highlighted President Donald Trump’s 2020 Executive Order on advancing international religious freedom, showcased the considerable year of accomplishments on behalf of international religious freedom in Congress and the Trump Administration, and in doing so, exhibited the best of America. Lebanese Maronite Christians were spotlighted at the In Defense of Christians 2020 Summit, held virtually Wednesday evening, as their country is challenged with economic turmoil and the fallout from the August 4 Beirut blast.
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