Jun 15, 2022

USCIRF Welcomes President Joe Biden’s Appointment of Stephen Schneck to U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

Washington, DC – President Joseph R. Biden announced on June 15, 2022 the appointment of Stephen Schneck to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

USCIRF welcomes Stephen Schneck to the Commission and looks forward to the valuable insight that his years of expertise will bring. USCIRF also expresses sincere gratitude to outgoing Commissioner Khizr Khan for his advocacy on behalf of those persecuted for their religion or belief.

A political philosopher by training, Stephen Schneck retired from The Catholic University of America in 2018, after more than thirty years as a professor, department chair, and dean. At the university he was also the founder and long-time director of the Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies. He received his doctorate from the University of Notre Dame.

A well-known advocate for Catholic social justice teachings in public life, Schneck currently serves on the governing boards of both Catholic Climate Covenant and Catholic Mobilizing Network. His writings appear regularly in the religious media, and he is a frequent commentator on Catholic matters for national and international news services. Previously, he was the executive director of Franciscan Action Network, which promotes environmental, economic, racial, and social justice on behalf of the Franciscan communities of the United States. He served the administration of President Barack Obama as a member of the White House Advisory Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the President and leadership of both political parties in the Senate and House of Representatives.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].