Responding to the news that President Obama has nominated Rabbi David Saperstein, Director and Counsel of the Religious Action Center of Reformed Judaism, as the next U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Jim Wallis, President and Founder of Sojourners, released the following statement:

“The right to hold and practice one's religious beliefs, worship with members of a faith community, and pray according to one's conscience must be vigilantly protected and defended around the globe. Robust advocacy for religious freedom by the U.S. State Department helps to prevent violence and preserve peace; it promotes the common good and defends the God-given dignity of every human being.

Given the importance of this issue in the world today, I can think of no better leader to serve as the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom than David Saperstein. As a friend and fellow advocate for justice, I know he brings the courage, dedication, and passion for protecting religious freedom that is necessary for success in this role. I commend President Obama for this nomination and I urge the Senate to quickly confirm Rabbi Saperstein to this post so that he can begin the work that is vital to our nation's foreign policy and the good of the global community.”