April 1, 2012. (Romereports.com) Suzan Johnson Cook is Barack Obama's
ambassador for religious freedom in the world, she is one of the president's main advisers on religion. For almost one year now, she has traveled the world to learn first hand the situation of believers from different faiths.
Suzan Johnson Cook
Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom (USA)
“My role as ambassador at large for international religious freedom is to promote religious freedom and monitor prosecution around the world and as it effects foreign policy.”
Her office publishes an annual report on religious freedom in the world, which reviews the situation of 198 countries. Their agency will then propose a list of “countries of particular concern” that can be financially penalized for not respecting religious freedom.
Suzan Johnson Cook
Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom (USA)
“I would say, unfortunately, my job will never be obsolete because there are places in the world that are challenged by international religious freedom. The health, though, means that there is always a chance for a new diagnosis.”
In addition to denouncing countries that suppress this freedom, there is also financial support for programs that aid religious freedom and helps new democracies to recognize its importance.
Suzan Johnson Cook
Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
“We have understood that for the future of your children and my children and other children, that where there is religious freedom, there is more stability, and ultimately, that is what we want to have happen.”
She has recently had to focus much of her attention to the religious conflict in her own country. This is due to mandate from the Obama administration that requires institutions to provide health insurance, that includes sterilization, contraceptives and abortive drugs. It would force many to do something they say goes against their conscience.
Before becoming ambassador, Susan Cook became the first woman to serve as chaplain to New York's Police Department in 1990. After the September 11th attacks, she worked with traumatized officers and religious communities.
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