IRF Secretariat

A Dynamic Week for Our IRF Fellows ✨

This week, the IRF Fellows engaged in a powerful series of meetings and site visits that deepened their understanding of global religious freedom efforts:

📍 Tuesday: Attended the IRF Roundtable with key U.S. government officials, gaining insight into high-level policy discussions.
📍 Wednesday: Met with Nadine Maenza, IRF Roundtable Co-Chair and leading voice in international religious freedom efforts.
📍 Thursday: Engaged in an informative discussion on the evolution of the IRF movement with Greg Mitchell, CEO and Founder of IRF Secretariat, followed by a meaningful visit to the UNHCR () offices to explore the intersection of FoRB and refugee protection.
📍 Friday: Joined a congressional working group meeting and toured the Church of Scientology National Affairs office and museum.

This immersive experience is shaping the next generation of IRF leaders — one conversation, one connection, one cause at a time.

🌍 World Refugee Day | June 20 🕊️

Today, on World Refugee Day, we honor the strength and resilience of over 120 million displaced people worldwide—many of whom have been forced to flee their homes because of their faith or beliefs.

From Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan, Yazidis in Iraq, Christians in Nigeria, to Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar—religious persecution continues to drive people from their homelands in search of safety, dignity, and freedom.

Religious freedom is a cornerstone of human dignity. When it is violated, the consequences are devastating: families uprooted, communities shattered, generations lost to fear and trauma. No one should have to choose between their faith and their survival.

As a global community, we must stand together—not only to protect refugees but to address the root causes of religious persecution and discrimination. That means championing freedom of thought, conscience, and belief for all people, everywhere.

Today, we remember their stories.
We amplify their voices.
We reaffirm our commitment to a world where no one is forced to flee because of how they worship, or whether they worship at all.

At the Roger Williams IRF Awards Dinner on May 21, the IRF Secretariat celebrated Nathan Wineinger, Drew Bowling, and Matias Perttula with IRF Builder Awards—recognizing their strategic leadership, policy expertise, and passionate advocacy on behalf of the persecuted.

🏅 Nathan Wineinger has long been a trusted voice behind the scenes. From civil society to government agencies, Nathan has been an agent for positive change in the international religious freedom space, bringing people together and collaborating across sectors.

🏅 Drew Bowling was honored for his quiet but transformational leadership. A master connector and strategist, Drew’s work has strengthened multi-faith efforts on Capitol Hill, fostering long-term relationships and collaboration to advance religious freedom.

🏅 Matias Perttula has boldly engaged Capitol Hill and international arenas to fight for justice and peace, often on behalf of those silenced or forgotten. His courage, consistency, and conviction continue to make a difference for religious minorities everywhere.

Congratulations to these exceptional IRF Builders whose efforts are both visionary and grounded in real-world impact.