From the President: IGE in DC
By Dr. Chris Seiple on 10 September 2004
I am very pleased, and humbled, to write to you from our new headquarters in Washington, DC. After three wonderful years in Philadelphia, we have relocated our home office to the nation's capital. Simply, if your modus operandi is quiet diplomacy — that is, building key relationships in order to effect strategic transformation — then you have to be where the relationships are. As we seek to create sustainable environments for religious freedom in difficult places around the world, and as we encourage American Christians to be simultaneously shrewd and innocent (Matthew 10:16) in their engagement of the world that "God so loved," we have to operate face-to-face with strategic change agents from the governmental and nongovernmental sectors, both domestically and internationally. You can't break bread, or effectively speak truth to power, from a distance; there is no substitute for a handshake that confirms a heart-to-heart connection.
We are extremely grateful to Eastern University for inviting us to join, and participate in, its Philadelphia community these past three years. In particular, we want to thank David Black, President of Eastern University, for his grace and vision.
I am also excited to announce two additions to the IGE team. In June, Rebecca Miller joined our staff as Executive Assistant to the President and Director of the Research Associate Program. A recent graduate of Wheaton College, she brings a keen intellect, sharp analysis, and a fantastic work ethic. On January 1, 2005, Dr. Thomas Farr will join us as Executive Vice President. Tom is a recently retired diplomat with tremendous practical experience overseas and in the interagency. Oxford University Press will publish his book, Religious Freedom in U.S. Foreign Policy, next year.
As we establish a Washington presence, we especially look forward to getting to know those in the DC area better. Three such opportunities, right now, are: the local chapter of IGE's Council on Faith & International Affairs; the September 17-18 Brandywine Leadership Forum on "Global Suffering: Our Christian Responsibility" that we are co-sponsoring with the National Center for Leadership at National Presbyterian Church; and the undergraduate and graduate Research Associate Program that begins September 20th.
Change is never easy. But, as so many of you have told us, IGE in DC is not just common sense, it's a call. It is my great hope that, together, we will answer that call, honoring God as we do. Thank you for your prayers and support over the years and I encourage you to come visit us!
IGE's new contact information:
Institute for Global Engagement
PO Box 14477
Washington, DC 20044
(703) 527-3100 (phone)
(703) 527-5965 (fax)
Last updated 29 November 1999