Group says U.S. policy hampered by secular bias

Group says U.S. policy hampered by secular bias

WASHINGTON ­— The United States’ foreign policy is hampered by a secular bias that causes policymakers to underestimate the role of religion in world affairs, a Midwestern think tank said in a 100-page report released Feb. 23.

A task force convened by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs recommended engaging religious communities instead of “an uncompromising secular political alternative” that now characterizes the United States’ approach to international affairs.

The 32-member task force said ignorance about religion is a blind spot that inhibits “smart thinking” about U.S. decisions concerning foreign aid, building relationships with nations and tackling multi-national challenges like climate change, fighting disease and advancing human rights.

The task force said the influence of religious groups is growing in many parts of the world, affecting virtually all sectors of society from politics and culture to business and science. Since 9/11, however, U.S. foreign policy has viewed religion as a problem in the area of terrorism and not as a potential source of creativity, inspiration and commitment to resolve conflict.