Washington, D.C. — World Evangelical Alliance Secretary General Reverend Advocate Botrus Mansour recently spoke on evangelical priorities during the International Religious Freedom Roundtable held in Washington, D.C.
The speech took place in the historic Kennedy Caucus Room (Room 325) of the Russell Senate Office Building, a venue widely recognized for landmark congressional hearings and moments of national significance. Following remarks by Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher, former Secretary General of the World Evangelical Alliance, Rev. Mansour’s address was welcomed by attendees with sustained applause.
In his remarks, Rev. Mansour spoke on behalf of the more than 600-million-member global evangelical community represented by the World Evangelical Alliance, reaffirming its commitment to the gospel and to the dignity of every human being.
The address marked a significant moment for the new leader of the World Evangelical Alliance as the organization strengthens its global advocacy efforts and partnerships in defense of religious freedom and human dignity. WEA Advocacy Director Dr. Kyle Wisdom and UN Acting Permanent Representative Dr. Jason Pope were in attendance alongside Rev. Mansour.
Addressing a central question often raised in religious freedom discussions, Rev. Mansour reflected on how a faith with exclusive truth claims can authentically advocate for religious freedom for all. Religious belief can only be genuine when religious freedom exists. “A choice for faith that is coerced and does not genuinely come from the heart is no faith at all.” Religious freedom, he noted, “is not a privilege granted by the state but a fundamental human right that comes from God and protects belief, disbelief, and peaceful expression alike.” He underscored that advocacy for religious freedom is rooted not in political expediency, but in deeply held moral and theological convictions.
Rev. Mansour also highlighted the work of the World Evangelical Alliance advocacy department, particularly its engagement at the United Nations in Geneva and New York City, where the WEA continues to raise concerns related to freedom of religion or belief and broader human rights issues affecting evangelical communities worldwide.
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