On October 19, 2021, The Catholic University of America’s Center for Human Rights welcomed Ambassador Sam Brownback to deliver the Fourth Annual Human Rights Lecture at Heritage Hall. In a compelling public conversation, Ambassador Brownback spoke with Dr. William Saunders, Director of the Program in Human Rights, about the pressing challenges and opportunities in defending religious freedom around the globe.

Ambassador Brownback, who served as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom from 2018 to 2021, drew on his extensive experience in public service to shed light on global efforts to combat religious persecution. As a former U.S. Senator and Governor of Kansas, and a key sponsor of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, Brownback has long been an influential voice in shaping U.S. human rights policy. He currently co-chairs the International Religious Freedom Summit and teaches on the subject at Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law.

In dialogue with Dr. Saunders, the ambassador reflected on the enduring significance of religious liberty as the foundation of all human rights. They explored the role of conscience in public life, the need for legal protections for minority faith communities, and the cultural and spiritual stakes of ongoing international conflicts. The discussion emphasized religious freedom not merely as a political value, but as an essential condition for human flourishing.

The lecture drew a diverse audience of students, faculty, and guests who engaged in thoughtful dialogue and came away with a deeper understanding of the global landscape of religious liberty. As part of the university’s broader commitment to integrating moral clarity with public engagement, the event affirmed the critical importance of defending the freedom to believe—and to act on those beliefs—in every corner of the world.