ENDING PERSECUTION:
Charting the Path to Global Religious Freedom
ENDING PERSECUTION exposes the harsh realities of religious repression while advocating for a bold, reimagined approach to safeguard freedom of conscience for all. Reviving these efforts can help ensure 21st century persecution does not bleed into the 22nd century.​
Every person has a fundamental right to follow their conscience wherever it leads. Human flourishing will more quickly come when everyone everywhere can believe (or not believe) as they choose. ​However, a pandemic of persecution is sweeping the world, impacting every faith community somewhere. Repression continues. People suffer on account of individual beliefs and instability results. The United States needs to revitalize its approach and recommit to ending oppression because of religion or belief.
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ENDING PERSECUTION is accessible in tone, guiding readers through the stark realities faced by individuals in some of the world’s most repressive regions, particularly in the Middle East and Asia. Drawing on a distinguished career with the U.S. Congress, the Department of State, and three presidential administrations, Knox shares firsthand experiences of advocating for reform. He and others endeavored to leverage U.S. influence to speak up for the oppressed and persecuted, doing what we could to reflect the best of American values of diversity, minority rights, and freedom of conscience. Yet, these efforts have not changed grim statistics demonstrating unrelenting restrictions on the free practice of faith. ENDING PERSECUTION examines why previous initiatives fell short but also offers innovative strategies to finally break the cycle of religious persecution and secure freedom of belief for all.
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Endorsements for ENDING PERSECUTION
Mary Ann Glendon
Learned Hand Professor of Law, Harvard University
Defenders of religious freedom everywhere will welcome Knox Thames’ analysis of the many faces of persecution, his inspiring call to action, and most of all his practical, feasible suggestions for deterring and combatting the worst violations of human dignity. The author’s wealth of experience and passion for his subject illuminate every page.
Simran Jeet Singh
Executive Director, Aspen Institute Religion & Society Program
Ending Persecution offers invaluable insights into the complex issue of persecution, shedding light on its various dimensions and potential resolutions. A must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of this critical global challenge.
Lord David Alton
British Parliament
Drawing on his significant experience in promoting international religious freedom, Knox Thames is perfectly placed to introduce us to some of the persecuted millions of people who daily pay a great price for a freedom we too often take for granted - and he spells out some of the initiatives we can take to end the persecution. Essential reading for all who value liberty, freedom, and human rights.
Nazila Ghanea
UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief / Professor of International Law, University of Oxford
The decades of unparalleled experience behind this accessible and hard hitting book by Knox Thames shines through as he calls for consistency, coalitions, call-outs and consequences in confronting this ‘most personal’ human right.
Abid Shamdeen
Executive Director, Nadia's Initiative
Ending Persecution by Knox Thames is a groundbreaking work that offers fresh insights and innovative strategies to combat the persecution of religious minorities worldwide. This compelling book is a must for anyone committed to promoting religious freedom and human rights on a global scale.
Jim Gash
President, Pepperdine Univeristy
So many modern, devastating atrocities are hidden from public awareness. "Out of sight, out of mind" becomes the fate of millions without the courageous intervention of tenacious investigators. Few things are more atrocious than violent religious persecution and martyrdom. In Ending Persecution, Knox shines the light of truth on this hidden darkness with the hopes of igniting our passion for justice and our compassion for faithful humanity. It is impossible to read this book without being permanently affected.​