Building on his extensive experience in the U.S. government and as an international human rights lawyer, H. Knox Thames provides fresh, decisive strategies to advance religious freedom for all.

Today, a scourge of religious persecution is impacting every faith community around the globe. In Ending Persecution: Charting the Path to Global Religious Freedom, author H. Knox Thames takes readers to some of the world's most repressive countries in the Middle East and Asia, exposing the harsh reality of religious repression. Thames breaks down the devastating litany of human rights abuses faced by religious groups in these countries into four major types of persecution: terrorism in the Middle East, government-sponsored genocides in China and Burma, cultural changes due to extremism in Pakistan, and tyrannical democracy in Nepal and India.

Ending Persecution recounts the range of tools and policies that the U.S. government has used to encourage reform in repressive governments, leverage U.S. influence for the oppressed, and to reflect the best of American values of diversity, minority rights, and religious freedom. To help the persecuted in the twenty-first century, Thames argues, the United States must revitalize its approach and recommit to ending oppression by supporting coalition building and interfaith tolerance.

About the Author

H. Knox Thames is an international human rights lawyer and advocate who served for twenty years in the U.S. government across multiple administrations, most recently in the Obama and Trump administrations as a State Department special envoy for religious minorities in the Middle East and South/Central Asia. He is currently a senior fellow at Pepperdine University.

Reviews

"Defenders of religious freedom everywhere will welcome H. Knox Thames's analysis of the many faces of persecution, his inspiring call to action, and most of all his practical, feasible suggestions for deterring and combating the worst violations of human dignity. The author's wealth of experience and passion for his subject illuminate every page." -Mary Ann Glendon, author of In the Courts of Three Popes

"Too many people in every corner of the globe are subject to persecution, repression, and even death simply for worshipping the God of their choice-or for their choice not to believe. With great humanity and insight gained from years in government service, H. Knox Thames offers an invaluable examination of this terrible phenomenon and practical solutions for policymakers. Ending Persecution should be on the reading list of anyone who cares about human rights and freedom." -Michael Abramowitz, president, Freedom House

"The decades of unparalleled experience behind this accessible and hard-hitting book by H. Knox Thames shines through as he calls for consistency, coalitions, call-outs, and consequences in confronting this 'most personal' human right. His recommendations stretch far and resonate deeply with the observations of the UN mandate on freedom of religion or belief." -Nazila Ghanea, co-author of Freedom of Religion or Belief

"Drawing on his significant experience in promoting international religious freedom, H. 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." -Lord David Alton, co-author of State Responses to Crimes of Genocide

"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." -Simran Jeet Singh, author of The Light We Give

"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. In Ending Persecution, H. Knox Thames 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." -Jim Gash, author of Divine Collision

"Thames's focus on the fact that the most egregious religious freedom violators are governments is exactly right. On the international stage, governments persecute religious people or are complicit by looking the other way when ethno-religious violence targets religious people. A useful book for students, practitioners, and the interested citizen." -Eric Patterson, co-editor of Just War and Christian Traditions

"Ending Persecution by H. 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." -Abid Shamdeen, co-founder & executive director, Nadia's Initiative

"Ending Persecution is creatively structured and engagingly written. Every chapter draws the reader in with a diplomatic story that provides a narrative arc for Thames' discussion." -Providence

"A fascinating mix of memoir of Thames's government service, policy analysis drawn largely from that experience, and general introduction to the world of international religious-freedom advocacy." -National Review

Book Information
ISBN 9780268208677
Author H. Knox Thames
Format Hardback
Page Count 416
Imprint University of Notre Dame Press
Publisher University of Notre Dame Press
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 24mm