Articles by Thomas Paul Schirrmacher
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A small island nation with a stable democracy, a high degree of freedom, and a majority Christian population faces a catastrophic threat because of the actions of others in the world. As sea levels rise, the world has a responsibility to ensure that the islands and the people who have flourished on them for more than 2,000 years (over 120 years as Christians) do not disappear. -
Thomas Helwys, the forgotten pioneer of religious freedom for everyone
As the USA continues beyond its 250th anniversary, it is important to be reminded that the idea of freedom of religion and belief, one of its most significant values, did not develop from Enlightenment philosophy but with the theological conviction of an English Baptist who ultimately died for that conviction. -
King Charles confuses his Church of England responsibility with his royal duty as protector
King Charles III's historic and official titles remain unchanged. However, conflating his role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England with protecting the space for faith within the multi-faith nation creates confusion. Either the distinction between the King's constitutional roles has not been expressed with sufficient clarity or the new terminology unintentionally blurs an important constitutional distinction. A global specialist in religious freedom explains why the new wording matters. -
Reviewing the shocking exposé into pornography dictators and profiteers
A 2025 book investigating the power behind the commercialization of pornography argue that "people don’t use pornography: it uses us. And you don’t have to watch it to be one of its victims." This review affirms the authors' critique of pornography and those who control it as a dangerously powerful, globalized industry that is (re)shaping desire, relationships, and social norms. Followers of Jesus need to guard ourselves against this attack on our relationships and our souls. -
Answering six World Watch List critiques and a way forward
Open Doors' World Watch List of persecuted Christianity has its critics, but it is much easier to criticize than contribute to a solution. In this article, six major issues are addressed, arguing that there is room for more expansive research into freedom of all religion or belief if the resources were available to undertake it. -
Ghandi in alternate perspectives
Mahatma Gandhi is often known as India's father of the nation and a promoter of non-violence protest movements, but India has long since shifted from Gandhi's ideals. His popular influence on some Christians deserves to be critically assessed too. This retrospective considers Ghandi afresh. -
Antisemitism in Christian, Islamic, and Secular perspective
Christian, Islamic, and secular/atheistic perspectives and politics have shaped recent world history more than any other international movement. All three have produced widespread forms of antisemitism that have repeatedly intermingled, threatening the human rights of Jewish people. It is important that Christians understand the roots of antisemitism and resist it as an evil and an affront to God. -
The first 100 days of Leo XIV in Evangelical perspective
Archbishop and Professor Thomas Paul Schirrmacher, a leading Evangelical theology scholar, religious liberty advocate, and a senior Evangelical in relationship with several popes, provides us with his perspective on Pope Leo XIV after the pope's 100 days in office and Shirrmacher's most recent visit with Pope Leo at the Vatican. -
It's topsy-turvy politics when Arab states are anti Hamas and (some) European states are pro
It should make us stand up and take notice when those most eager to see a Palestinian state recognized in their own back yard are anti Hamas, whereas in Europe and the UK Hamas seems to be part of the package. When it comes to understanding both sides of a conflict, even one as lopsided as this, unrealistic ideologies will not create stability. The Arab states know this. They deserve our respect. -
The Pope of surprises: praise and candid reflections from a friend
Thomas Schirrmacher has worked with Pope Francis in a variety of official roles, both for the World Evangelical Alliance and the International Society for Human Rights. He accompanied the pope on three state visits and also visited him privately at Santa Marta on numerous occasions, often around the pontiff’s birthday. These are his reflections. -
President of the International Council of the International Society for Human Rights supports Israel's right to defend itself
Separating anti-semitism against Jews from criticism of Israel's state is not so clear cut in the current global climate. Regardless of opinion on Israel's response, we should take care not to attack Jews. In this commentary, Archbishop Thomas Schirrmacher affirms Israel's right to self defense and warns against antisemitic tendencies. Attacks against Christians could be next.
