Missionary Andrew Brunson Appointed to U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

Missionary Pastor Andrew Brunson has been appointed to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Brunson, who served in Turkey for 23 years, gained international attention after he was detained in 2016 following a failed coup attempt. He spent two years in prison on charges of espionage and aiding terrorist organizations, which he and his supporters maintained were false accusations used for political leverage. Following his release in 2018, he returned to the United States and has continued to advocate for religious liberty.

Brunson joins fellow appointees Bishop Robert Barron and Joseph Grogan on the bipartisan panel. USCIRF Vice Chair CeCe Heil stated that these additions will strengthen the commission's mission to promote religious freedom globally. Brunson’s appointment follows the recent nomination of Cissie Graham Lynch as the U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. Reflecting on his past experiences, Brunson has previously shared his perspective on the importance of faith under pressure, notably praying for wisdom for government leaders during his return to Washington.