National Prayer Breakfast & International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit 2025
Washington, D.C. | 2–3 February 2025
Fr. James Channan, a prominent Catholic priest and Director of Peace Center, Lahore, Pakistan, was honoured with a special invitation to participate in the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit 2025, held in Washington, D.C., from 2–3 February 2025.
In addition, he attended the National Prayer Breakfast 2025 as a distinguished international guest at the United States Capitol.
The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual bipartisan gathering hosted by members of the United States Congress. The event traditionally brings together the President of the United States, members of Congress, diplomats, faith leaders, and international dignitaries for prayer, reflection, and dialogue focused on faith, unity, and spiritual renewal.
The 2025 Prayer Breakfast was attended by Donald J. Trump, who served as Chief Guest. In his address, President Trump shared a personal reflection on faith, noting that surviving two assassination attempts in 2024 had deeply strengthened his religious conviction. He stated:
“It changed something in me. I believed in God, but now I feel even more strongly about it. Let’s bring religion back. Let’s bring God back into our lives.”
He emphasized that religious liberty remains a cornerstone of American identity and called for its protection with “absolute devotion.” His speech combined sincerity, personal testimony, and renewed spiritual commitment.
Among the esteemed participants were:
• Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman, Pakistan People’s Party
• Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Chairman, Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Pakistan
• Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister for Minorities, Government of Punjab, Pakistan
• Ambassadors, Members of Parliament, faith leaders, and representatives from over 120 countries
The Prayer Breakfast centred on the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing peace, love, mercy, forgiveness, and mutual respect among all people and faith traditions.
The International Religious Freedom Summit 2025 convened global leaders, diplomats, faith representatives, policymakers, and human rights advocates to advance the cause of religious freedom worldwide—particularly in regions facing persecution, discrimination, and restrictions on belief.
Fr. James Channan OP participated in panel discussions and networking sessions, contributing insights drawn from decades of interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding work in South Asia. His presence underscored the importance of grassroots engagement and community-level initiatives in promoting religious harmony and coexistence.
Notable speakers and participants included:
• David Smith, UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief
• Lizzie Francis Brink, Legal Counsel, ADF International
• Tristan Azbej, State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians, Hungary
• Nadine Maenza, President, IRF Secretariat
• Myal Greene, CEO, World Relief
A keynote address was delivered by JD Vance, marking one of his first major public appearances since assuming office. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting religious freedom globally, stating:
“Religious freedom is more than a policy—it’s a fundamental right that must be defended everywhere… not just as a legal principle, but as a lived reality.”
He reiterated that religious freedom remains a central pillar of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in light of rising global threats to religious minorities.
The participation of Fr. James Channan OP at both the National Prayer Breakfast and the IRF Summit 2025 represents a significant milestone for interfaith collaboration and global solidarity in defense of religious freedom.
These events reaffirmed that religious liberty is not only a fundamental human right but also a foundation for peace, justice, and human dignity. The message from Washington was clear: safeguarding religious freedom requires courage, compassion, sustained advocacy, and international cooperation.
Leaders and communities worldwide must continue working together to ensure that all people can live out their faith freely and without fear.
Prepared by:
Asher Nazir
Executive Secretary
Peace Center, Lahore
