Evangelical Appointed to U.S. Commission On Int'l Religious Freedom

Don Argue, president of Northwest University in Kirkland, Wash., and a former president of the National Association of Evangelicals, has been appointed to serve on the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the commission is an independent, bipartisan government agency that monitors international religious freedom and gives policy recommendations to the president, Secretary of State and Congress.  “Dr. Argue is a leading expert in religious freedom. His dedication to the right of worship and opposition to intolerance and persecution are inspiring,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., who with Sen.  Hillary Rodham  Clinton, D-N.Y., announced Argue's appointment Tuesday. “He will bring a valuable perspective to the Commission's work.” Considered an authority on international religious freedom and human rights, Argue previously was appointed by President Clinton and Secretary of State Madeline Albright to the President’s Advisory Committee on Religious Freedom. President Clinton also invited Argue to serve as part of the first official delegation of U.S. religious leaders to visit China and challenge its leaders about religious freedom and religious persecution.  “Don will bring a critically needed voice to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom,” Sen. Clinton said. “His expertise is surpassed only by his dedication to achieving the goal of religious freedom for people around the world.  I’m proud to recommend such a respected and valued leader and proud to call him a friend. He will be an invaluable member of the Commission.” Argue will serve a two-year term.