United in Liberty: The Rise of Spiritual Diplomats | Interfaith Conference in the U.S. Capitol

On January 22, 2026, in Washington, D.C., faith leaders, lawmakers, diplomats, human rights advocates, and civil society representatives gathered for the historic International Interfaith Conference — United in Liberty: The Rise of Spiritual Diplomats, hosted by Pastor Mark Burns on the ALLATRA International Public Movement platform in the U.S. Capitol Caucus Room.

This momentous event focused on unity across beliefs and cultures, freedom of religion or belief, shared human values, protection of children, and global peace — bringing voices together from around the world to champion these core principles.

Featured Speakers & Highlights:

• Special Video Address from the President Donald J. Trump

• Pastor Mark Burns — Chairman of the Spiritual Diplomats and Spiritual Advisor to President Trump — opened the session with a powerful call to faith-based leadership and conscience-driven action.

• Members of the U.S. Congress — including Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis, Rep. Mark Harris, and Rep. Joe Wilson — spoke on religious freedom as an essential human right and the heartbeat of human dignity.

• Matt Schlapp, Chairman of the American Conservative Union, warned of rising threats to religious and expressive freedoms.

• Maryna Ovtsynova, President of ALLATRA International Public Movement, addressed systemic threats to freedom and outlined the importance of unity across cultures and faiths.

• Brock Pierce — futurist and philanthropist — discussed how faith counteracts fear and division and underpins spiritual diplomacy.

• Dr. Michael Jenkins, President of the Universal Peace Federation and the Washington Times Holdings, highlighted the healing power of interfaith dialogue.

• Sir Professor Dr. Gabriele Pao-Pei Andreoli, President of the Institute for Advanced Studies and Cooperation and Ethical AI leader affiliated with the Vatican, speaking on “From Law to Conscience” and the future of global governance.

International Leaders & Faith Figures:

• His Excellency Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State, Nigeria) and Manji Wilson on peace and cohesion

• Rabbi Elie Abadie, Reverend Biodun Fatoyinbo, Rabbi Asher Lopatin, and Rabbi Duvi Honig on coexistence and moral courage

• Sheikh Eşref Efendi, Naqshbandi Sufi Master from Germany, on “In God We Trust” and the power of the “rope of God” for peace and unity

• Rev. Damian Dunkley, President of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification USA, presenting a report on religious persecution in Korea.

Stories of Advocacy & Resilience:

• Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Choose Love Movement, on child protection and transforming tragedy into purpose

• His Excellency Ambassador Lazaro Nyalandu, Tanzanian diplomat and former Cabinet Minister, speaking on protecting children in Tanzania and securing their future

• Rushan Abbas, Founder and Executive Director of the Campaign for Uyghurs, whose sister is unjustly imprisoned by the CCP, presenting “Unbroken: Uyghur Voices” and calling for a united interfaith response to Uyghur persecution

• Aliia Roza, former secret agent turned women’s empowerment coach, speaking on child and human trafficking and efforts to protect innocent lives

• Ukrainian advocates Vitaliy Orlov and Oleksandr Ilash on spiritual support and relief efforts

• Madelyn Rodriguez, advocate and community leader, on compassion-driven leadership, civic engagement, and the importance of protecting the most vulnerable

• Special Appearance: Geophysicist Elizaveta Khromova, sharing her journey from persecution to renewed faith and presenting Pastor Mark Burns with her book, “Pastor Mark Burns: The Man Who Restored My Faith,” dedicated to him

• Moderated by Olga Schmidt, President of the Creative Society.

The conference underscored Spiritual Diplomats — faith leaders stepping into places politics cannot reach, carrying wisdom instead of weapons, and working for peace where treaties and policies have failed.

This material is for informational and discussion purposes only. The statements, assessments, interpretations, conclusions, and hypotheses contained herein represent personal views of their authors as of the date of publication and do not constitute an official stance of the ALLATRA international organization or any other public association, organization, project, partner, or affiliated entity or person, unless expressly stated otherwise.
Publication of this material provides an opportunity for open discussion and does not in itself imply institutional endorsement, confirmation, or scientific verification of the views expressed. The material does not constitute an official statement, expert opinion, or professional advice.