Our Journey

The Coalition began as a vision shared by Rev. Dr. Marian Edmonds-Allen and Ray Kirstein over a decade ago. With the support and insight of Simran Singh Stuelpnagel, this idea became reality. In 2023, the Coalition launched as a roundtable with special guest speakers Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett and The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who now serve as our Honorary Co-Chairs.

In 2025, the Coalition adopted a new name, welcomed Pritpal Bhullar as Co-Chair, and relocated its base to the UK, expanding its mission to meet global needs and aligning with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief (APPG FoRB).

Leadership & Members

Honorary Co-Chairs
Katrina Lantos Swett
The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

C

o-Chairs
Pritpal Bhullar
Rev. Dr. Marian Edmonds-Allen

Founding Members and Advisors

  • Simran Singh Stuelpnagel – Vice President, IRF Secretariat

  • Michael Soto – U.S. Chair; Executive Director, Equality Arizona

  • Chelsea Hedquist – Lantos Foundation

  • Candace Bryan Abbey – Lantos Foundation

  • Ray Kirstein – Interfaith Alliance

  • Dr. Aykan Erdemir – Anti-Defamation League

  • Dr. Tugba Tanyeri Erdemir – Middle East FoRB Working Group, IRF