Bishop Robert Barron Named to U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

4:17 PM ETDeveloping

Faith Desk

In Short: Bishop Robert Barron has been appointed to serve on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, an honor he says he feels 'privileged' to accept.

Bishop Robert Barron was named to serve on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, the commission announced on September 16. In a statement, Barron expressed his honor and noted that he feels 'privileged to join their company.

The commission monitors global religious liberty issues and recommends policy to the U.S. government. Barron, who already serves on the Religious Liberty Commission, was appointed by President Donald Trump. He will join other prominent Catholics on the panel, including Princeton Professor Robert George and Archbishop Charles Chaput.

Barron also serves as a member of the domestically focused Religious Liberty Commission. The commission is described as strictly bipartisan, with members chosen by leaders of both major political parties. Barron highlighted the numerous Catholics who have served on the commission over the years.

In a separate development, Pope Francis addressed recently ordained bishops, urging them to spend time with Jesus and learn the names of the people in their flock. The Pope emphasized the importance of being a bishop and a Christian first, quoting St. Augustine’s words: 'for you… I am a bishop, with you I am a Christian.

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In a statement to EWTN News on Sept. 16, Barron said he was “honored” to accept Trump’s invitation to serve on the commission.
It also advocates for those suffering from religious persecution, such as this week when it urged Trump to push for the release of religious prisoners in China and for the end of religious persecution by the Chinese government.
The Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, bishop was selected for the post alongside former U.S.
Ambassador to the Holy See Mary Ann Glendon, Jesuit Father Thomas Reese, Archbishop Charles Chaput, and Bishop William Murphy.
"Everyone must find a place in the Bishop’s heart, for everyone already has a place in the heart of Christ," he said.
"Among the many things you will be called to do as Bishops, this is the most important. We are Bishops, but we are first and foremost disciples," the Pope said.
Regarding the bishops' care for priests, the Pope urged special care for elderly and unwell priests.
Finally, the Holy Father quoted again a line from St. Augustine that he offered on the day of his election and his first address to the People of God: Saint Augustine, speaking about his people, said: “ Vobis enim sum episcopus, vobiscum sum christanus ”, “for you… I am a bishop, with you I am a Christian” ( Sermon 340, 1).

Sources

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