The two Nigerian Catholic Priests will be “working on projects of common interest as they collaborate to raise awareness and galvanize action for peace and religious freedom in West Africa,” RFI Executive Vice President, Dr. Eric Patterson, says in the appointment letter addressed to each of the two Priests.
Mr. Patterson adds, “We are grateful for the opportunity to work with you to advance religious freedom. Your background and experience on the ground will bring a unique perspective to the work of this organization.”
“RFI’s International Religious Freedom Policy Action Team is dedicated to championing religious freedom for everyone, everywhere," he further says.
Fr. Dyikuk and Fr. Barkindo are going to be part of a team of senior RFI personnel who include former U.S. diplomats and past government officials from Canada and Pakistan.
In a Friday, August 19 report, the leadership of the Washington DC-based entity commends the two Nigerian Catholic Priests, saying, “We are proud to identify you as a RFI Senior Fellows for International Religious Freedom Policy”
Born out of the Religious Freedom Project (RFP), RFI was established in 2011 at Georgetown University’s Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs as a Centre devoted exclusively to the analysis of religious freedom.
The mission of the Institute is to "promote the broad acceptance of religious liberty as a fundamental human right, a source of individual and social flourishing, the cornerstone of a successful society, and a driver of national and international security."
In the August 19 report, the Executive Vice President of RFI is quoted expressing his pleasure to invite Fr. Dyikuk to the entity, and says, “As Senior Fellow, we would like to amplify, as appropriate, some of your work and initiatives that relate to religious freedom, such as recent writings that you have published and recent speaking engagements.”
“We can also assist, as appropriate, in placing op-eds or opinion pieces you have authored with RFI branding,” Dr. Patterson adds.
The two Catholic Priests will also consult in an advisory capacity on RFI initiatives, and will write articles for the institute’s publications on a quarterly basis, participate in RFI conferences and republish articles on religious freedom as opportunities arise.
