United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
| Ambassador-at-Large of the United States for International Religious Freedom | |
|---|---|
|
Seal of the United States Department of State | |
| Nominator | Barack Obama |
| Inaugural holder |
Bob Seiple as Ambassador |
| Formation | 1999 |
| Website | U.S. Office - IRF |
The Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom is the ambassador-at-large who heads the Office of International Religious Freedom in the United States Department of State.
The position was created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. The first ambassador-at-large was Bob Seiple[2] who served from 1999 to 2001. He was succeeded by John Hanford[3] who served from May 2002 until January 2009. Suzan Johnson Cook served in the role from May 2011 to October 2013.[4]
On July 28, 2014, President Barack Obama nominated Rabbi David Saperstein for the position. On December 15, 2014 the Senate confirmed him to the office, making him the first non-Christian to hold this post.[5][6][7]
Ambassadors-at-Large
- Bob Seiple (1999–2001)
- John Hanford (2002–2009)
- Suzan Johnson Cook (2011–2013)
- David Saperstein (2014– )[5][6][7]
References
- ↑ "David N. Saperstein". U.S. Department of State. January 6, 2015. Retrieved November 15, 2015.
- ↑ U.S. Department of State. "Biography Robert A Seiple." September 11, 2009.
- ↑ U.S. Department of State. "Biography John V. Hanford III." September 11, 2009.
- ↑ http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/religious-liberty-ambassadors-resignation-raises-concerns/
- 1 2 Dias, Elizabeth. "Obama Nominates Rabbi to Religious Freedom Post", Time, July 28, 2014. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
- 1 2 Campbell, Kay. "Rabbi David Saperstein confirmed as U.S. Ambassador for Religious Freedom", AL.com, December 17, 2014. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
- 1 2 "US Senate approves rabbi as freedom of faith envoy", The Times of Israel, December 15, 2014. Retrieved December 15, 2014.
External links
- United States Office of International Religious Freedom
- Annual Report on International Religious Freedom 1999-Present
- Ambassador Johnson Cook's official biography
- Ambassador Johnson Cook on Facebook
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