Trump fills religious freedom commission, moves to end ambassador vacancy

President Donald Trump on Sept. 16 appointed three new members, including Winona-Rochester Bishop Robert Barron, to the bipartisan U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Trump also named Pastor Andrew Brunson and former White House official Joe Grogan to the commission, according to a Sept. 16 press release from USCIRF published by Christian Newswire.

“President Trump’s announcement is a vital step in advancing the human right of freedom of religion or belief abroad,” USCIRF Chairman Asif Mahmood said. “Filling these roles demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the United States to international religious freedom as a priority in foreign policy.”

Trump also nominated Cissie Graham Lynch, granddaughter of evangelist Billy Graham and a senior adviser and ministry spokesperson at Samaritan’s Purse, to serve as ambassador at large for international religious freedom. Her nomination requires Senate confirmation, and the position has been vacant since January 2025, according to the Religious Freedom Institute.

USCIRF advises the president, secretary of state, and Congress on religious persecution abroad. The appointments fill the commission’s three presidential seats and bring it to its full nine-member roster, according to the commission.

Bishop Barron, who previously served on Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission, founded Word on Fire Catholic Ministries.

Pastor Brunson spent 23 years as a missionary in Turkey, where he was detained for two years on charges USCIRF described as false, before his release following diplomatic pressure. He now leads WaveStarters, a ministry supporting persecuted Christians.

Grogan previously advised Trump and directed the White House Domestic Policy Council.