Source: www.uscirf.gov
Date: June 5, 2020
Tenzin Dorjee and Sharon Kleinbaum Complete Their Terms on Commission
Washington, DC – U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Chair Tony Perkins, Vice Chair Gayle Manchin, Vice Chair Nadine Maenza, Commissioner Anurima Bhargava, Commissioner James W. Carr, and Commissioner Johnnie Moore have been reappointed to serve a second term through May 14, 2022.
“I look forward to serving another two years with my colleagues, and continuing our work to promote freedom of religion or belief for all,” USCIRF Chair Tony Perkins stated. “We will also miss two outstanding colleagues, Tenzin Dorjee and Sharon Kleinbaum, who have completed their terms. It has been a privilege working with them both and I greatly appreciated their commitment, perspective, and advocacy throughout their tenure, including 2018-2019 when Dr. Dorjee served as USCIRF Chair.”
“I am honored to be reappointed to USCIRF, and am eager to continue our efforts to advise the Administration, State Department, and Congress on policies to protect this fundamental right globally,” Vice Chair Gayle Manchin said. “We would also like to take a moment to appreciate the invaluable contributions of Tenzin Dorjee and Sharon Kleinbaum, who advocated for communities and individuals around the world who are persecuted for their beliefs. While they will be missed, we know their commitment to freedom of religion or belief for all will carry on.”
Also on the Commission are newly appointed Commissioner Nury Turkel, as well as Commissioner Gary Bauer, who is serving his second term which runs until May 2021.
The current list of USCIRF Commissioners are: Tony Perkins, Gayle Manchin, Nadine Maenza, Gary Bauer, Anurima Bhargava, James W. Carr, Johnnie Moore, and Nury Turkel.
Comprised of nine commissioners, USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan federal body that is principally responsible for reviewing the facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom internationally and making policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress. The President and leadership of both political parties in the Senate and House of Representatives appoint USCIRF Commissioners.
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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 threats to 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