Mark Walker (speaking) appeared on a panel hosted by the SBC’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission in conjunction with the 2025 SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas. – BP file photo by Adin Parks
WASHINGTON (BP) – Faith leaders, including those from the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, are urging the confirmation of Congressman Mark Walker as International Religious Freedom (IRF) ambassador-at-large.
A letter to President Trump signed and delivered last week, commends his “steadfast commitment to religious liberty” and his nomination of Walker, a former Southern Baptist minister. However, the nomination came seven months ago and “urgent action is now critical,” the letter says.
Interim ERLC President Gary Hollingsworth, SBC President Clint Pressley and Southern Baptist pastors Robert Jeffress and Jack Graham were among the 40 signers.
“Across the globe, people of faith endure relentless persecution, imprisonment, and death,” the letter says. “Congressman Walker, a former minister with expertise in Intelligence and Counterterrorism from his congressional service, is exceptionally qualified to advise you and Secretary Rubio on confronting these atrocities.
“His confirmation is essential to advancing this vital mission.”
The letter further urged Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch to make Walker’s nomination a priority.
Trump nominated Walker on April 10. Before entering politics, Walker served at churches in Florida and North Carolina for 16 years. His most recent pastoral position was as a worship pastor at Lawndale Baptist Church in Greensboro, N.C., from 2008-2013.
Walker was also part of an ERLC panel at the SBC Annual Meeting in June to discuss Southern Baptists’ role in the public square.
A separate statement by the ELRC spoke to Walker’s “balance of pastoral experience and legislative leadership” alongside “a lifelong commitment to faith and service” as to his qualifications for the role.
“During [Walker’s] tenure in Congress, he was recognized for his efforts to build coalitions and earned a reputation for defending religious liberty and human rights, the kind of moral clarity and conviction the position requires,” said the statement.
Created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the ambassador-at-large works within the U.S. Department of State. Responsibilities include advancing religious freedom abroad, denouncing those that inhibit it and recommending appropriate responses by the U.S. government as well as integrating appropriate policies and strategies into U.S. foreign policy efforts.
