During a news conference at the National Press Club here yesterday, a panel of IRF leaders described the need for the Scorecard. The panel included Os Guinness, British author, social critic and founder of The Trinity Forum; Farahnaz Ispahani, journalist, scholar and former member of Pakistan's National Assembly; and Nina Shea, Director, Center for Religious Freedom at the Hudson Institute in Washington.

"This is a critically important initiative," said Ms. Shea. "We're seeing the greatest peril posed to religious freedom since the rise of Nazism and communism."

The panelists noted the religious persecution facing 5.5 billion people globally, including the erosion of religious liberty in the United States.

"My concern is not only religious freedom around the world, but the lack of leadership on this issue which has been America's birthright," Mr. Guinness said. "As I see it, America is squandering a great heritage. That's why I welcome this particular Scorecard initiative."

Twice yearly publication of the Scorecard, mid-term and year-end, provides legislators with an opportunity to review items on the Scorecard and choose to support more items prior to final publication, which raises their scores and improves protection of religious freedom.

"The United States has historically been seen as a beacon for religious freedom," Ms. Ispahani said. "I trust that the Scorecard will help monitor Congress' performance in standing up for the oppressed religious minorities in every part of the world."

Rep. Wolf noted that the Scorecard will educate the American public on this issue, and give duly needed credit to Members who work hard for religious liberty.

"I know that the scorecard is a much-needed tool that will help recognize and encourage members of Congress who are doing vital and difficult work promoting religious freedom around the globe," stated Rep. Wolf. "Just as important, the scorecard will inform Americans and help strengthen their voices to support the cause of religious freedom in the House and Senate."

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Why the Resurrection of Jesus Is the Most Important Event in History

President Trump Cited the Gospel of John in an Easter Message to Christians Worldwide

Artemis Astronaut Offers Easter Thoughts About the Bible and God's Provision for Humans

School Suspends Student For Supporting ICE Agents, after Allowing a Protest Against ICE

The 'Moment California Has Been Waiting For'; Trump Endorses Steve Hilton for Governor

Boise Removes LGBT 'pride' Flag from City Hall Due to New Idaho Law

Democrats Sue Over Trump's Executive Order on Mail-in Ballots

'God Was Watching Us': Trump, Ratcliffe, Hegseth Detail 'Miracle' Rescue of Airmen during Press Conference; 2 Top Iranian Terrorists Killed

An Easter Miracle!! 2nd Crew Member from Downed Jet in Iran Rescued and Safely Extracted after Intense Race to Reach Him before IRGC Terrorists

PRAYER ALERT: US F-15 Fighter Jet Downed in SW Iran, 1 Pilot Rescued and Safe; Search Continues for Second One

Dutch Sheets: Good Friday Message & Communion

'I Began to Pray': Pastor Talks Down Crazed Man Who Points Gun Directly at Him, Leads 10 to Christ

Trump HHS Renews Planned Parenthood Grants for 'Final Year' Due to Legalities, But 'Funds CANNOT Be Used for Abortions'

WATCH: Families at the Center of Washington State Transgender Sports Debate Stand Firm for Truth

Levin: Ruling Against Birthright Citizenship Should Be a 'Slam-Dunk' for Supreme Court [Video]

Colorado Appeals Court Reverses Tina Peters' Sentencing, Could This Lead to Her Freedom?

March Job Growth Triples Expectations, Unemployment Rate Dips

Artemis II Mission Pilot: 'We Need Jesus; Whether Here on Earth or Orbiting the Moon'

Democrat Lawmaker Steps Down, Says Faith No Longer Aligns with Left's Agenda

Trump Administration Charges 9 in Massive Massachusetts Fraud Scheme