WASHINGTON – Following today’s vote to confirm Rabbi David Saperstein to the position of U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom by a bipartisan vote of the U.S. Senate, Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, president of Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:

“It gives me great pleasure to extend my dear friend and colleague Rabbi David Saperstein a proud and heartfelt Mazal Tov. When David steps into this position he not only achieves a remarkable capstone to what has been a long and successful career, he brings to our nation’s foreign policy a wealth of knowledge and a fierce dedication to religious freedom and the rights of religious minorities. David’s work has always been guided by the Jewish commandment to repair the world – he has now been given an incredible platform to do just that.

“Those of us who have followed religious freedom issues at home and abroad over the years know how dire the situation is today for many religious communities around the world. Rights of conscience continue to be restricted, religious minorities continue to be persecuted, and religion continues to be held up as smokescreen for too many grave human rights abuses. David’s leadership has never been more needed, may he go from strength to strength.”  

Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.