The oldest Christian communities in the world are disappearing in the lands where their faith was born and first took root—in the heart of the Middle East. The atrocities of terrorist groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham and the hardships presented by Syria’s civil war have put Christians and other groups in increased danger. How can the United States support freedom, tolerance, and pluralism at such a difficult time in the Middle East?
Please join the Center for American Progress for a panel discussion of distinguished experts about a new CAP report on how the United States can effectively address the challenges facing Christian communities throughout the region and place an emphasis on tolerance.
Introduction:
Rudy deLeon, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress
Remarks:
Dr. Shaun Casey, Special Representative for Religion and Global Affairs, Department of State
Panelists:
Stephen Colecchi, Director, Office of International Justice and Peace, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Elizabeth Prodromou, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University
Paul Salem, Vice President for Policy and Research, Middle East Institute
Nina Shea, Director, Center for Religious Freedom, Hudson Institute
Moderator:
Brian Katulis, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress