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Faith Leaders and Advocates Decry Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Omission of Mark Walker from Critical Confirmation Hearing

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Washington, DC – December 11, 2025 – A coalition of prominent faith leaders and organizations dedicated to supporting persecuted religious communities worldwide today expressed profound disappointment over the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s decision not to include President Trump’s nominee, former Congressman Mark Walker, for U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom in today’s confirmation hearing. Despite an urgent letter sent to Chairman James E. Risch on December 9, 2025, highlighting the nominee’s qualifications and the pressing need for leadership amid global religious freedom crises, Walker’s nomination was notably absent from the agenda—again.

The letter, signed by dozens of influential figures including pastors, advocates, and heads of international organizations, emphasized Walker’s proven track record as a bipartisan champion for human rights and religious liberty. Nominated in April 2025, Walker—a former U.S. Representative and pastor—is still in limbo, leaving a critical vacancy at a time when persecuted Christians and other religious minorities face escalating threats globally. The signatories argued that confirming Walker would enable swift action on President Trump’s priorities to defend religious freedom and persecuted Christians globally and integrate foreign assistance functions following the closure of USAID.

Dede Laugesen, President of Save the Persecuted Christians (STPC) and lead signatory, stated:

“We are deeply disheartened that Chairman Risch has not yet taken up Walker’s hearing. The prolonged vacancy in the Office of International Religious Freedom undermines America’s commitment to protecting one of its foundational freedoms abroad. Chairman Risch and the Committee had a clear opportunity to advance this vital nomination in the final hearing of the year, and their failure to do so sends a troubling signal amid ongoing global crises like the genocide of Christians in Nigeria. We urge the Senate to prioritize Walker’s confirmation without further delay to ensure effective U.S. advocacy for the persecuted.”

The STPC coalition pointed to the significant restructuring at the U.S. Department of State, including the integration of foreign aid, as a pivotal moment requiring confirmed leadership. A Senate-confirmed Ambassador-at-Large would provide essential direction under the International Religious Freedom Act, fostering engagement with foreign governments and robust policy implementation.

Other signatories echoed the sentiment, stressing the urgency:

  • Bob Fu, President of China Aid: “In regions like China, where religious persecution is rampant, delays in leadership cost lives. Mark Walker’s expertise is needed now more than ever.”
  • Nina Shea, Senior Fellow and Director of Hudson’s Center for Religious Freedom at the Hudson Institute: “This omission is a missed opportunity to reaffirm America’s role as a global defender of religious liberty.”
  • Hon. Frank Wolf, retired Congressman (VA): “I’ve seen firsthand the impact of strong advocacy for the persecuted. Confirming Walker would honor that legacy and protect vulnerable communities worldwide.”

The full list of signatories includes:

  • Dr. Oluwasayo Ajiboye, President, Mission Africa International
  • Karmella Borashan, Chair, Office of Advocacy and Government Relations, Assyrian Parliament
  • Daniel Emig, Consultant, Frontier Partners International
  • Bob Fu, President, China Aid
  • Frank Gaffney, President, Institute for the American Future
  • Ellen Grigsby, Strategic Relationships Dir., Frontline’s International
  • Suzanne Grishman, Executive Director, Mercury One and The Nazarene Fund
  • Lauren Homer, President, Law and Liberty Trust
  • Martha Hudson, Senior Advisor for MENA, Near East Center for Strategic Engagement
  • Dr. Charles Jacobs, President, Jewish Leadership Project
  • Rev. Kevin Jessip, President, Global Strategic Alliance
  • Eric Metaxas, Host, The Eric Metaxas Show
  • Faith McDonnell, Director of Advocacy, Katartismos Global
  • Greg Mitchell, Founder & CEO, IRF Secretariat
  • Jennifer Noyes, Executive Director, New Wineskins Missions Network
  • Michael Parks, President/CEO, Frontier Partners International
  • Dr. Jorge Parrott, President, Christ’s Mandate for Missions
  • Judd Saul, President, Equipping the Persecuted
  • Ann Schockett, Past President, Advisor, Board Member, National Federation of Republican Women
  • Nina Shea, Senior Fellow and Director of Hudson’s Center for Religious Freedom, Hudson Institute
  • Mike Ramirez, Retired, San Antonio Patriots
  • Mark Singer, Organizer-Leader, Moral Action Ministry
  • Patricia Streeter, Co-Leader, Anglican Persecuted Church Network
  • Nadine Maenza, Co-Chair, IRF Roundtable
  • Hon. Frank Wolf, Congressman (VA) retired, U.S. House of Representatives
  • Elizabeth Yore, Attorney and Founder, Yore Children

Save the Persecuted Christians and partners remain committed to advocating for Walker’s swift confirmation and call on Chairman Risch to put Walker on the agenda as soon as possible in January.

About Save the Persecuted Christians
Save the Persecuted Christians is a grassroots movement dedicated to raising awareness and mobilizing action to aid Christians and other religious minorities facing persecution worldwide. Through advocacy, education, and partnerships, the organization works to influence policy and provide direct support to those in need. Learn more at SaveThePersecutedChristians.org.

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