21Wilberforce recognizes Churches for Middle East peace with Frank Wolf Award
21Wilberforce President Wissam al-Saliby has announced that the 2025 honoree of the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Award is Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP). The award will be presented at a recognition dinner during the Global Religious Freedom Conference at Dallas Baptist University on October 20, 2025.
Founded in 1984, CMEP is a coalition of more than 30 Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Evangelical denominations and organizations. Through education, advocacy, and direct engagement with policymakers, CMEP mobilizes U.S. Christians to promote equality, human rights, security, and justice for Israelis, Palestinians, and all people of the Middle East.
CMEP equips churches, leaders, and individuals across the United States to advocate effectively and knowledgeably for peace and justice in the Middle East. Their work is grounded in the belief that sound, holistic U.S. policy is essential to achieving and sustaining just and stable relationships in the region.
Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, who became executive director in 2016, CMEP has deepened its role as a convener and advocate for peace. Cannon, an ordained pastor in the Reformed Church in America, previously held senior leadership roles at World Vision U.S., Compassion International, and Willow Creek Community Church, and has long been a voice for justice in the Middle East.
CMEP’s work has drawn praise from faith leaders across the globe:
Botrus Mansour, Secretary General–Designate of the World Evangelical Alliance, noted: “In a time of upheaval and conflict, CMEP demonstrates empathy and kindness… Under the leadership of Mae Elise Cannon, CMEP is modeling a theology and practice of loving the neighbor and the enemy. CMEP is working for peace by modelling the Prince of Peace.”
Bob Roberts, Jr., President of the Institute for Global Engagement and former Frank Wolf IRF Award laureate, added: “It has been my privilege to have been associated with CMEP for the past 20 years. Their consistent, clear voice for justice for Palestine/Israel as an organization is unmatched. I, for one, am grateful for their voice and pray it continues in the current conflict and into the future.”
Dr. Fares Abraham, Founder and President, Levant Ministries shared: “CMEP represents the kind of biblically grounded voices we desperately need in this moment. In a region often reduced to politics and polarization, CMEP has consistently lifted up the call to peacemaking and armed the God-given dignity of every person—Israeli, Palestinian, Jew, Muslim, and Christian alike.”
Michael el-Daba said, “For years, as a Regional Director of the Lausanne Movement in the Middle east and Director in the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services on Egypt, I have witnessed that CMEP has stood as a beacon of hope, advocating tirelessly for the rights of all individuals to practice their faith without fear of persecution.”
Dr. Sameh Maurice, Senior Pastor, Kasr El Dobara Evangelical Church commends this recognition given to CMEP: “In a region too often torn by conflict and injustice, they stand as a prophetic voice for peace, reconciliation, and the sacred worth of every human being. Through tireless advocacy, education, and bridge-building, they remind the world that peacemaking is not passive but requires moral courage and persistent action.”
Elizabeth Prodromou, Professor at Boston College observed: “CMEP’s mission and Frank Wolf’s worldview draw from the same conviction, that religious freedom is intrinsic to human dignity, human security, and peace in our world”
Dr. Jack Sara, President of Bethlehem Bible College shared: “CMEP’s work is vital because it recognizes that a peaceful future for the Middle East depends on a balanced approach that addresses the needs of all people in the region.”
21Wilberforce President Wissam al-Saliby notes: “When I meet with pastors, Christian leaders, and philanthropists, I am often asked about the solution for Israel, Hamas, and the Palestinians. And I reply: How are we, followers of Jesus Christ, engaging (or not) and shepherding our influence for peace? The solution is, and has always been, the Church. It is about us, not about them. We need to love our neighbor, grow into peacemakers, and share hope.
Amid theological, political, and ethical distortion of Christian engagement with Jews, Palestinians, and Christians in the Holy Land and the Middle East, I commend Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) for the humility, persistence, thoughtfulness, and Gospel hopefulness of their engagement for peace in my region. We encourage more Christians to assume their role and calling as peacemakers, like CMEP and Mae Elise Cannon.”
The Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Award honors an outstanding organization or individual advancing freedom of religion or belief by standing against oppression. It is named for Congressman Frank Wolf, long recognized as the House’s “Champion of Human Rights” and “Conscience of Congress.” After serving 34 years in Congress, Wolf joined 21Wilberforce as Distinguished Senior Fellow where he contributed significantly for five years.
“The Christian community is seeing great declines in numbers in this Cradle of Christianity. We see how bad things are for all religious minorities in the Middle East” said Congressman Wolf.
“In Luke 4, Jesus said the Lord sent him, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and to release the oppressed. Working together on peace in the Middle East is so important. I believe Jesus would be helping the persecuted Christians and other religious minorities of the Middle East. I am grateful for the work that Churches for Middle East Peace does to educate, elevate, and advocate for all people of the Middle East based on values inherent to the Gospel.”
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About 21Wilberforce
21Wilberforce is a Christian human rights nonprofit working globally to protect and advance freedom of religion, belief, or conscience. To learn more visit 21Wilberforce.org.
Contact:
Lou Ann Sabatier
21Wilberforce
703-216-2941
Lsabatier@21Wilberforce.org
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