USCIRF Applauds the Impending Appointment of National Security Council Adviser on International Religious Freedom

WASHINGTON, DC (February 6, 2020) –The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today welcomed the reported appointment by the White House of a Special Adviser to the President on International Religious Freedom within the National Security Council staff. For many years, USCIRF has been urging that this position – which is called for in the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA) – be filled.  

“USCIRF applauds the White House for acknowledging the importance of international religious freedom as a key national security concern,” USCIRF Chair Tony Perkins stated. “In recent years, we have seen an increase in the frequency of violent attacks targeting houses of worship and holy sites around the world, and believe that the new Special Adviser will be an indispensable asset in helping the Administration coordinate a government-wide strategy and policy to combat rising religious persecution globally.”

USCIRF recommended in its 2019 Annual Report that the Administration appoint a Special Adviser to develop a government-wide strategy for promoting religious freedom abroad, prepare action plans for specific countries, and establish an interagency working group to oversee implementation.

“We commend the administration for filling this important position, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to elevating international religious freedom as a foreign policy priority,” said USCIRF Vice Chair Gayle Manchin. “USCIRF looks forward to working with the Special Adviser and is eager to collaborate on the many pressing issues globally.”

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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 [email protected] or 202-523-3240.

James W. Carr Appointed to U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

WASHINGTON, DC (February 4, 2020) – House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) yesterday announced the appointment of Dr. James W. Carr of Searcy, Arkansas to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

“USCIRF welcomes the appointment of Dr. Carr to this bipartisan commission,” said Chair Tony Perkins. “We’re looking forward to adding his academic perspective and rigorous research-based analyses to our advocacy efforts for freedom of religion or belief.” 

Carr is currently President and Chairman of Highland Home Holdings, a Dallas-based investment fund. Before his retirement in 2019, he served as Executive Vice President and Professor of Business of Harding University for 25 years. In 2015, he was appointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, where he now serves as Chairman.  Carr has also served on the board of directors of World Christian Broadcasting since 1993.  

In 2006, Carr was nominated by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to a position on the National Security Education Board, where he served until 2011.

“With the appointment of Dr. Carr, USCIRF now has a full complement of nine Commissioners. We look forward to working together to unearth solutions to the many challenging religious freedom concerns around the globe,” said Vice Chair Gayle Manchin. USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the President and leadership of both political parties in the Senate and House of Representatives.  

Carr currently serves on the executive board of the Quapaw Council of the Boy Scouts of America, on the board of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, and on the Business Board of First Community Bank. Previously, he served as a Regional Director at the American College Testing Program (ACT) and in various administrative positions at Florida State University.

Carr received his PhD from Florida State University and has consulted with hundreds of colleges and universities in the area of institutional marketing.

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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 [email protected] or 202-523-3240.