(Left to Right) Danny Dewalt, Senior Vice President of Global Impact and Chief of Staff, Pepperdine University; Dr. Paul Murray, International Vice President of Religious Freedom Initiatives, Global Peace Foundation; Her Excellency Chief Mrs. Alice Bola Obasanjo, Former First Lady of Nigeria and co-chair IRF Summit Africa; Jim Gash, President, Pepperdine University; Hon. Lady Justice Philomena Mbete Mwilu, EGH., Deputy Chief Justice and; Vice President of the Supreme Court of Kenya; Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, Chief Justice of Uganda; Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, co-chair of IRF Summit and President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice; Ambassador Sam Brownback, co-chair of IRF Summit and Chairman of the National Committee for Religious Freedom.
June 17, 2025, NAIROBI—In a powerful demonstration of unity, conviction, and hope, the first-ever International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit Africa convened this week in Nairobi, Kenya, drawing dignitaries, chief justices, faith leaders, and civil society stakeholders from across the continent and beyond. Co-convened by Pepperdine University, the Religious Freedom Institute (RFI), and the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), this historic summit marks a pivotal moment in the movement to advance religious freedom throughout Africa.
Themed “Africa Together: A Continental Call to Religious Freedom,” the Summit assembled a broad and diverse coalition dedicated to protecting the fundamental human right of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). Throughout the day, delegates engaged in critical conversations about legal innovation, interreligious collaboration, and the essential role of African values, particularly the ethic of Ubuntu, in shaping a future grounded in peace, dignity, and shared humanity.
“We are especially privileged to welcome the Honorable Chief Justices, Ambassadors, government leaders, our esteemed faith leaders, and each of you, distinguished delegates and guests, who have traveled from across Africa and around the world to be part of this critical conversation,” opened Dr. Paul Murray, International Vice President for Religious Freedom Initiatives at the Global Peace Foundation. “Even amid uncertainty, we stand together in pursuit of peace, dignity, and the freedom to believe.”
With peaceful youth-led protests occurring throughout Kenya on the morning of the Summit, questions of safety and mobility loomed large. Yet, the overcapacity crowd at Nairobi’s Safari Park Hotel made it unmistakably clear: the commitment to religious freedom is both urgent and unwavering.
His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Nigerian prelate of the Catholic Church.
“Africa stands at a pivotal moment in history,” Dr. Murray emphasized. “As the world’s youngest and most spiritually vibrant continent, the stakes for religious freedom could not be higher. The Global Peace Foundation is honored to host this Summit to amplify African voices, foster faith-based collaboration, and advance our shared vision for an African Renaissance, where dignity, peace, and moral leadership guide the future.”
Throughout the Summit, delegates were inspired by the principled leadership and powerful voices of dignitaries who stood shoulder to shoulder with the IRF Summit co-chairs and conveners, Ambassador Sam Brownback, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom; Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, President of the Lantos Foundation; H.E. Chief Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, Former First Lady of Nigeria; President Jim Gash of Pepperdine University; David Trimble, President of the Religious Freedom Institute; and Dr. Paul Murray, International Vice President for Religious Freedom Initiatives at the Global Peace Foundation.
Honorable Lady Justice Philomena Mbete Mwilu, Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, opened the main session with a call for justice rooted in the Kenyan Constitution and African moral traditions. Alongside prominent faith leaders such as Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Sultan Mohammed Hassen of Harar, panelists examined how African values, particularly the ethic of Ubuntu, can guide justice and governance reforms, enhance multifaith collaboration, and serve as a catalyst for religious freedom. Discussions covered topics ranging from safeguarding judicial independence to fostering community-based reconciliation, empowering youth, and the ethical leadership necessary for a true African Renaissance.
Mubarak Bala, Nigerian activist jailed for his faith.
Equally moving were the powerful survivor testimonies shared during the Summit, firsthand accounts from individuals who have endured persecution simply because of their faith. Among them was the testimony of Mubarak Bala, a Nigerian jailed for blasphemy who suffered years of imprisonment for expressing his beliefs, leaving a lasting impact on the room. His courage, alongside other survivors who spoke of detention, discrimination, and exile, provided a human face to the urgency of defending freedom of conscience. These deeply personal stories served as both a sobering reminder and a moral call to action for everyone present. Their collective message was clear: religious freedom is a moral imperative and a fundamental right for everyone, everywhere, and at all times.
In a special panel titled “Faith Leaders as Ethical Innovators,” GPF facilitated a discussion on how African spiritual traditions and moral leadership serve as catalysts for the continent’s renewal. The value of Ubuntu, “I am because we are,” resonated throughout the day’s dialogue as a cultural foundation for coexistence and religious freedom.
GPF’s ongoing commitment to religious freedom is part of its broader Freedom of Conscience, Belief, and Religion Initiative, which actively engages governments, faith communities, educators, and civil society through strategic advocacy, education, and regional convenings. The IRF Summit Africa exemplifies GPF’s mission of building One Family Under God, rooted in the dignity of each person and the moral imperative to protect the rights of all.
“This Summit is not just a gathering,” said Dr. Murray, “it is a continental call to action.”
The IRF Summit Africa concluded on a deeply uplifting and unifying note as the Redfourth Choir, led by Mr. Philip Tuju, entered the room with a stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace.” What followed was a powerful medley of inspirational songs that captured the spirit of the day, hope, resilience, and unity. As the choir transitioned into “Avulekile Amasango” and the “With One Love” chorus, the entire room rose to their feet, singing, clapping, and celebrating a shared vision of freedom and solidarity. It was more than a performance; it was the echo of a continent awakening with purpose. Attendees departed with renewed determination and concrete strategies to uphold religious freedom across the continent. From the courts to the communities, from high-level diplomacy to grassroots resilience, the message was clear: Religious freedom is for everyone, everywhere, all the time.
Redfourth Youth Choir
