DBU Hosts International Delegation for Dialogue on Global Religious Freedom

Dallas Baptist University's Center for Global Religious Freedom, in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, recently welcomed a delegation of 30 emerging leaders from 30 nations as part of the U.S. Department of State's International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP).

The gathering, held on the DBU campus, provided a unique opportunity for international guests to engage with scholars and practitioners on the historical and contemporary dimensions of religious liberty.

Jonathan Fechner, DBU Chief of Staff and Executive Director of the Institute for Global Engagement, opened the event by welcoming participants and highlighting DBU's mission as a global, Christ-centered University. Fechner shared about the ongoing work of the University to form a vibrant DBU global community that furthers ministry, education, and religious freedom efforts in nearly every part of the world. 

Following the welcome, Dr. Jack Goodyear, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, offered an overview of the history of religious liberty in the United States, outlining its development and the six principles that frame its understanding and application today. He also noted that while there should always be a separation of church and state, religion and politics are inevitably intertwined, as a person's faith will always inform how an individual participates in politics.

Knox Thames, Senior Fellow at Pepperdine University and a leading voice on international religious freedom, addressed the global landscape of religious liberty. He shared specific examples of how U.S. foreign policy seeks to protect and advance this fundamental human right around the world.

Concluding the presentations, Dr. Randel Everett, Senior Fellow for Religious Freedom, discussed the Center's ongoing initiatives and highlighted present-day examples of religious persecution and advocacy. He shared Os Guinness' golden triangle for religious liberty, emphasizing that Freedom requires Virtue, Virtue requires Faith, and Faith requires Freedom.

Throughout the program, the IVLP participants engaged in thoughtful dialogue, asking questions and sharing perspectives from their diverse cultural contexts. The exchange underscored the importance of cross-cultural understanding in promoting and protecting religious freedom globally.

"This gathering reflects DBU's commitment to equipping servant leaders to impact the world for Christ," said Fechner. "It was a privilege to host such a distinguished group of leaders and to stand together in support of this vital freedom that is inspired by the University's mission and Christian faith."