Inaugural International Religious Freedom Summit Africa Launches in Nairobi

Religious Freedom as a Catalyst for Socioeconomic Development and Peacebuilding

Nairobi, Kenya, Tuesday, 17 June:  Upon the kind invitation from the Chief Justice of Kenya Lady Justice Martha Koome who is the Chief Guest and host, the International Religious Freedom Summit has officially commenced in Nairobi, Kenya.

This landmark 3-day event is organized by Pepperdine University and the Religious Freedom Institute, and hosted by the Global Peace Foundation. The summit aims to elevate religious freedom as a foundational pillar for peace, human dignity, and sustainable development across the African continent.

Bringing together policymakers and religious leaders from across Africa, the summit underscores the urgent need to protect and promote religious freedom, which organizers highlighted as increasingly under threat across the region.

H.E. Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, Co-Chair of the IRF Summit, emphasized that Africa requires greater investments of time and talent to advance religious freedom. She urged that it is a shared responsibility to promote this vital cause.

Ambassador Sam Brownback, Co-Chair of the IRF Summit, noted Africa's critical role in the global discourse on religious freedom. “If a continent aspires to develop, it must guarantee religious freedom for everyone at all times,” Mr. Brownback stated, asserting that such freedoms foster trade and investment, ultimately driving economic growth. He criticized governments worldwide that prioritize specific religions, thereby exacerbating religious divisions.

“A nation’s growth hinges on its capacity to allow every citizen the freedom to practice their religion without fear of persecution,” Mr. Brownback added, warning that the absence of universal religious freedom could lead to clashes of civilization. He pointed to the current tensions in Africa between militant Islamists and Christians in the Middle East belt as a significant concern.

Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, another Co-Chair of the IRF Summit, remarked, “Societies that uphold fundamental human rights generally enjoy greater success. This is especially true for women, who tend to experience higher socio-economic status in such environments.” She highlighted the divisions that often arise between Christian and Muslim communities in Africa and advocated for top leaders and religious figures to unite in signing an Abrahamic peace treaty.

Danny DeWalt, Senior Vice President for Global Impact and Chief of Staff at Pepperdine University, stated that this inaugural summit aims to foster a united community across Africa to eradicate religious persecution and establish enduring religious freedom.

David Trimble, President of the Religious Freedom Institute, called for Africa to take decisive steps forward, reinforcing its historical role in promoting peaceful coexistence among diverse religions. “It is time for Africa to embark on a new chapter to address the ongoing challenges of religious persecution,” Mr. Trimble remarked.

Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Philomena Mwilu, addressed the alarming rise of religious persecution, restrictions on religious expression, and violent extremism, particularly within Africa. “These violations are not merely attacks on individual freedoms; they undermine the very fabric of our societies and jeopardize the social cohesion necessary for sustainable peace and development,” Lady Justice Mwilu stated.

“Our Constitution is anchored in the principles of human dignity, equality, and equity. It explicitly recognizes freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief, and opinion as fundamental rights under Article 32. In this context, Kenya not only provides legal protections but also fosters a cultural environment that champions religious diversity and spiritual expression,” Lady Justice Mwilu added.

The summit has reiterated the critical role of policymakers in advancing religious freedom, the necessity for judicial innovations in addressing religious conflicts, and the importance of religious freedom in catalyzing Africa’s renaissance and socioeconomic development.