A group of 32 experts presented this report “Engaging Religious Communities Abroad: A New Imperative for U.S. Foreign Policy” to the White House. Academicians, governmental officials, and religious leaders are among those contributed to the report.
Given the increasing importance of religions around the globe, the report argues for serious engagement of religious communities and also educating foreign service officers about religions. This is especially important, the report asserts, when it comes to relations with the Muslim World. The report cites President Obama’s speech in Cairo in last June and calls for yet broader constructive engagement.
The report argues for education of religions in the federal sector for better educated US foreign policy officials can better address foreign policy challenges. It also advises that foreign service officers are allowed to engage religious communities while serving abroad.
