S 1868 The International Religious Freedom Act Of 1998

Because of concerns about increasing restrictions on religious rights around the world, Congress passed the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (the Act) to strengthen U.S. advocacy of individuals persecuted in foreign countries on account of religion. According to the Act, more than half of the world's population was living under governments that severely restricted or prohibited freedom of religion. This book examines the elements and implementation efforts of the International Religious Freedom Act with a focus on its objectives, scope and methodology.

Congress passed the International Religious Freedom Act in 1998 to promote international religious freedom, among other purposes. The Act established within the State Dept. the Office of International Religious Freedom, headed by an Ambassador-at-Large. The Act also established U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), with the Ambassador-at-Large as an ex-officio member. In addition, the Act outlined primary responsibilities for both State and USCIRF. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2011 required this report on matters related to the U.S. promotion of international religious freedom. It assesses (1) State’s implementation of its primary responsibilities established in the Act; (2) USCIRF’s implementation of its primary responsibilities established in the Act; (3) State’s and USCIRF’s interaction to promote religious freedom; and (4) NGOs’ views on U.S. efforts to promote religious freedom. Tables and figures. This is a print on demand report.

Although our era is marked by human rights rhetoric, human wrongs continue to be committed with impunity, and the idea of human rights is becoming impoverished.

This book provides an up-to-date, comprehensive overview of Eastern Christian churches in Europe, the Middle East, America, Africa, Asia and Australia. Written by leading international scholars in the field, it examines both Orthodox and Oriental churches from the end of the Cold War up to the present day. The book offers a unique insight into the myriad church-state relations in Eastern Christianity and tackles contemporary concerns, opportunities and challenges, such as religious revival after the fall of communism; churches and democracy; relations between Orthodox, Catholic and Greek Catholic churches; religious education and monastic life; the size and structure of congregations; and the impact of migration, secularisation and globalisation on Eastern Christianity in the twenty-first century.