Statement from Third Way President Jon Cowan on the Appointment of Rachel Laser to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON—Statement from Third Way President Jon Cowan on the Appointment of Rachel Laser to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
“It is with profound appreciation that we salute the selection by Democratic Leader U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer of Rachel Laser to be a commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Rachel Laser is a trailblazer, a tireless advocate, and most importantly an optimist who believes in her soul in the possibility of common ground.
“For many years, Rachel served as a senior leader at Third Way, running what was then called the Culture Program. Third Way’s success as an organization is in no small part due to Rachel’s work early on to chart new paths on the most divisive social issues in our politics. Throughout every effort, Rachel strove for common ground, even against the longest odds. She did so intellectually, spiritually, and temperamentally.
“One of Rachel’s biggest successes, and one which will suit her so well on the Commission, was her Come Let Us Reason Together initiative at Third Way. Come Let Us Reason Together brought together religious leaders from across different faiths and denominations to seek holistic dialogue and concrete actions to address some of the toughest social issues dividing the nation. They took on abortion, birth control, LGBT issues, and immigration and built lasting relationships and policy ideas that matter to this day.
“Rachel is a lawyer by training with a keen intellect, innate curiosity, and a growth mindset. But perhaps her greatest skill is to disagree without being disagreeable – a skill that could make a great deal of difference at the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Thank you, Senator Schumer, for making this appointment and congratulations to Rachel Laser.”