J. Standish says that UN Member States Should Honor Their Commitment to Freedom of Belief

In June, James D. Standish, director of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s United Nations relations, was elected secretary of the United Nations NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief.
Photo: Ansel Oliver/ANN

In early June, a Seventh-day Adventist advocate for religious freedom was elected secretary of the United Nations NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief.

As secretary, James D. Standish, director of the Adventist Church’s United Nations relations, will coordinate NGOs that promote and protect freedom of belief.

Church religious freedom and public affairs leaders said that Standish’s appointment to the position demonstrates recognition of the Adventist Church’s leading role in advocating for religious freedom.

“It is an honor to be entrusted with this responsibility,” Standish said. “The United Nations can be an instrument for advancing the cause of religious freedom.”

Rather than using his position solely to defend against proposals that could threaten or restrict religious freedom, Standish said he hopes to “go on the offensive” by urging UN member states to “stand up for the values they claim to embrace.”

Standish is an attorney who previously served the Adventist Church as its representative to the U.S. government. He also served as executive director of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, a government agency.