Unsurpassed networking and learning! Discover how faith fuels innovation, integrity & impact! Connect with Fortune 500 peers at Dare to Overcome 2026, May 20–21 in D.C. Register here.
Faith@Work ERG Conference “Dare to Overcome”
Reflection on Religious Freedom at Christmas: Love in Action
10 Dec, 2025
By Brian Grim
Christmas is a season that calls us back to what matters most — love. Even in secular culture, this truth resonates. The #1 most searched Christmas movie in America is Love Actually, a story that celebrates love as the force that binds us together. For people of faith, love is not just a feeling, it is a commandment. Jesus, for example, said the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbor.
But who is our neighbor? In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus makes it clear: our neighbor may be someone very different from us, a foreigner, even from another faith. Love was not shown by preaching to the wounded man left for dead on the roadside. It was shown through mercy, compassion, and practical help: binding wounds, providing shelter, and ensuring care.
True religious freedom is the freedom to live out these commandments. In fact, the deepest way to love God may be through loving our neighbor because that is where we encounter the divine most profoundly. This experience surpasses even the beauty of scripture, music, prayer, or the grandeur of nature, from galaxies expanding across the cosmos to the mysteries of subatomic particles. The most infinite beauty is love itself.
And as we love our neighbor, it is not about them seeing God in us, it is about us seeing God in them. This is the heart of religious freedom: the freedom to practice love. When we do this, religious freedom flourishes on earth.
This Christmas, let us make love our greatest gift because in loving our neighbor, we encounter the divine.
What the Good Samaritan Teaches Us About Advancing Freedom Today
10 Dec, 2025
Why Love Belongs in Business: Advancing Religious Freedom
By Brian Grim
From Hong Kong to Washington DC, I’ve had the chance these weeks to see how businesses and faith communities turn compassion into action that transforms lives and advances religious freedom for all. With Christmas approaching, it’s reinforced what’s central to human flourishing.
Christmas reminds us of what matters most: love. Even in secular culture, this truth resonates. The #1 most searched Christmas movie in America is Love Actually. For people of faith, love is not just a feeling; it is a commandment. Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbor. In the parable of the Good Samaritan — who was a foreigner with a foreign religion — love was not shown by preaching to the wounded man left for dead on the roadside. It was shown through mercy, compassion, and practical help: binding wounds, providing shelter, and ensuring care. True religious freedom is the freedom to put this love into action.
This vision underpins a positive, entrepreneurial approach to advancing religious freedom—one that sees business as a force for good.
In Taiwan and Hong Kong, I witnessed inspiring examples of this principle in action. The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation demonstrates how mercy, technology, and business can work together to serve humanity. Their commitment to sustainability shines through Da Ai Technologies, which transforms recycled materials into products that fund charitable work and make love practical.
Tzu Chi also convenes multi-faith dialogue on technology, as seen in a Hong Kong forum where I spoke alongside leaders from diverse belief backgrounds.
I also met leaders at the Mekong Club, which helps businesses combat modern slavery — a powerful example of business advancing freedom.
I visited Hong Kong’s growing Catholic community, whose members serve in many ways including as doctors in Gaza, living out faith through service.
My trip concluded with a keynote at American Airlines’ Christian Employee Business Resource Group (CEBRG) leaders meeting, where we explored how companies can care for people on life’s journey. Their commitment to the contributions of faith was seen not only in senior leadership participation, but the fact that they flew CEBRG leaders from across the U.S. and world for the one-day meeting.
As Christmas approaches, join this important conversation on faith in the workplace.
Looking ahead, these themes will shape our Dare to Overcome 2026 conference in Washington, D.C., keynoted by Equinix EMEA President Bruce Owen. His keynote will explore how embracing spiritual values and freedom of belief in the workplace can catalyze innovation, resilience, and ethical leadership.
Student internships applications are open, and nominations for the Global Business & Interfaith Peace Awards are live.
The greatest potential for advancing religious freedom lies in businesses and faith communities turn compassion into action that transforms lives and advances religious freedom for all—because when love becomes action, freedom flourishes.
Caring for people on life’s journey – American Airlines CEBRG
10 Dec, 2025
By Brian Grim
With more than 100,000 team members in 65 countries, American Airlines strive to create a supportive environment for all. The company supports 20 different Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs), including faith EBRGs.
Today, I had the honor of giving the keynote at the annual gathering of the presidents of Christian EBRG (CEBRG) chapters across the U.S. and world. Each chapter shared latest developments in their areas and identified ways they can collaborate across sites.
This year is the CEBRG’s 30th anniversary of leaning into the airline’s purpose — to care for people on life’s journey. Today, leaders shared how CBERG chapters are not only caring for passengers but for their team members. Among the various initiatives was a a push for all to do “random acts of kindness” for their teammates.
Fr. Greg McBrayer, who serves as CBERG’s global lead, is an Anglican priest serving as Chief Flight Dispatcher at American Airlines. As part of the gathering, he offered communion and shared about the partnership the airline has with the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation.
Combining his ministry — serving as a chaplain for the workforce — with his work has real business impact. “Management started seeing fruitfulness. They realized people were being more attentive in their jobs, it seemed like there was just a whole different feeling in the office. Attendance improved.”
Senior leaders from American Airlines also attended and expressed deep appreciation for how the CEBRG helps people live out their faith by creating a supportive and caring community for people of faith in the company. For them, “to care for people on life’s journey” is not merely a slogan but a mission and life purpose.
Equinix EMEA President Bruce Owen to Keynote Dare to Overcome 2026
9 Dec, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Equinix EMEA President Bruce Owen to Keynote Dare to Overcome 2026, Showcasing Faith-Inclusive Leadership in Global Business
Washington, D.C. – November 22, 2025 – The Religious Freedom & Business Foundation is honored to announce Bruce Owen, President of Equinix EMEA, as the keynote speaker at Dare to Overcome 2026, the world’s leading Faith@Work and Employee Resource Group (ERG) Conference, taking place May 20–21, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Equinix, the world’s digital infrastructure company, is recognized as one of the most religiously inclusive companies globally, according to the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation’s Faith-Friendly Workplace Index. Under Bruce Owen’s leadership, Equinix has championed a culture where inclusion and belonging extend to faith and belief—creating workplaces that are not only inclusive but also innovative and resilient.
As President of EMEA, Bruce oversees strategy and growth for the region, driving both organic and inorganic expansion, integrating acquired businesses, and leading regulatory and public affairs engagements. He serves as executive sponsor for key customers and partners and is a passionate advocate for inclusion and innovation.
Bruce Owen’s keynote will explore how embracing spiritual values and freedom of belief in the workplace can catalyze innovation, resilience, and ethical leadership. His insights will inspire executives and ERG leaders to create environments where faith and belief identities are not suppressed but celebrated as a source of strength.
Event Highlights:
- – Keynote by Bruce Owen, President of Equinix EMEA
- – Insights on faith-inclusive leadership and corporate growth
- – Networking with Fortune 500 executives and ERG leaders
- – Exclusive unveiling of groundbreaking global research on faith and corporate success
Event Details:
- – What: Dare to Overcome – Faith@Work ERG Conference
- – When: May 20–21, 2026
- – Where: Washington, D.C.
- – Register: Eventbrite Link
For media inquiries, email: contact@religiousfreedomandbusiness.org
About Equinix
Equinix (Nasdaq: EQIX) shortens the path to boundless connectivity anywhere in the world. Its digital infrastructure, data center footprint and interconnected ecosystems empower innovations that enhance our work, life and planet. Equinix connects economies, countries, organizations and communities, delivering seamless digital experiences and cutting-edge AI-quickly, efficiently and everywhere.
About the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation
The Foundation equips businesses to champion freedom of religion or belief, fostering inclusive workplaces and sustainable peace globally.
2026 Dare to Overcome student intern volunteer opportunities
9 Dec, 2025
Dare to Overcome student intern volunteers will help with the logistics at the annual Dare to Overcome (DTO) conference, May 20-21, 2026. This is the 7th national Faith@Work ERG* and Corporate Chaplain Conference put on by the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation in partnership with the Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America in Washington DC, where it is held.
In addition, student intern volunteers will have the unique opportunity to meet and serve as liaisons to Fortune 500 and other corporate representatives at the conference, getting an inside look at how people of diverse backgrounds put their faiths to practice as top professionals. They will also receive recognition and a certificate at the end of the event.
Student intern volunteers who are accepted are responsible to cover all costs getting to/from Washington DC. They also will need to certify that they have medical insurance. Student scholarships are available to cover conference fees as well as room and board during the conference.
Student intern volunteers must arrive at the Busch School of Business by 4:00 PM on Monday, May 19, 2025, for orientation and to help with set up for the conference. They will be fully engaged in both liaison and logistics activities through 6:00 PM on Wednesday, May 21, to assist with breakdown of the conference.
You can see the testimonies of two interns from previous years:
– My Research Took on New Meaning at Dare to Overcome
– When you are able to bring your whole self to work, expect greatness: An Intern story
Questions? Email Robert Rex, DTO Conference Director.
*ERG = Employee Resource Group (a company-sponsored, employee-led affinity group that helps employees feel included
Christmas and Christians in the Workplace: An Overview by Transform Work
7 Dec, 2025
As Christians prepare to celebrate Christmas, we welcome Ros Loaker, CEO of Transform Work, a charity that supports Christians in the Workplace, with connections to over 500 Christian Workplace groups and Christian professional networks.
Ros has lead Transform Work for nearly 20 years and will be sharing about what Transform Work does and will be sharing amazing stories from Christian groups in the workplace.
Ros joined the UK Faith@Work Network on 11th December 2026.
Entrepreneurial Approach to Advancing Religious Freedom
7 Dec, 2025
By Brian Grim
From Negative Narratives to Positive Entrepreneurship: A New Approach to Advancing Religious Freedom
Current global efforts to advance religious freedom often rely on a negative narrative, highlighting persecution and restrictions. While these issues are real and urgent, this approach has not reversed the trend: government restrictions on religion are at their highest level in the 14 years that Pew Research Center has tracked the issue. Even Pew discontinued the “Solutions” section of its annual report after 2013 (the last report I directed at Pew), signaling a lack of effective strategies.
Since founding the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation in 2014, I have championed a positive narrative, showing how religious freedom fosters innovation, inclusion, and economic growth. This approach has gained traction in the business world, yet not enough advocates have adopted similar strategies. To scale impact, we need a new paradigm: a Positive Entrepreneurial Approach.
It’s time to shift from seeing a world of problems to seeing a world of possibilities when it comes to religious freedom.
Advocates vs. Builders and Beyond
In his 2023 article, Advocates and builders, advancing religious freedom together, Chris Seiple distinguishes two main camps in religious freedom efforts:
Advocates work “outside-in,” raising awareness, naming and shaming regimes, and pressing governments through diplomatic pressure — often at the cost of lost access or nuanced engagement.
Builders operate “inside-out,” using quiet diplomacy to help governments improve systems and policies locally.
While both strategies can open space, a greater emphasis on showcasing the positive social, economic, and communal outcomes of religious freedom. That is where the Positive Entrepreneurial Approach that I am following breaks new ground, mobilizing communities and markets through constructive models, partnerships, and real-world benefits rather than just persuasion of governments.
The Concept
Entrepreneurship succeeds not by coercion but by creating value — building relationships, meeting needs, and empowering local leaders. I propose that we adopt entrepreneurial principles to advance religious freedom for all, not just to help those experiencing persecution, but to create flourishing societies where diverse faiths coexist and contribute.
Five Principles for a Positive Entrepreneurial Approach
Value Creation as the Core Driver
Entrepreneurs succeed by creating tangible value. Similarly, advancing religious freedom should focus on delivering measurable benefits — such as innovation, inclusion, and economic growth — rather than abstract ideals. When stakeholders see clear returns, engagement becomes natural.
Market-Based Solutions
Entrepreneurship thrives on scalable models. We will design frameworks — like impact investment funds, multi-faith economy certifications, and inclusive business practices — that embed religious freedom into economic systems. These solutions make freedom a competitive advantage, not just a compliance checkbox.
Innovation Through Including Multiple Perspectives
Entrepreneurs leverage multiple perspectives for creativity. Religious freedom unlocks diverse perspectives, fueling innovation in products, services, and organizational culture. By showcasing case studies where multiple perspectives drive breakthroughs, we position freedom as a catalyst for progress.
Scalable Partnerships and Ecosystems
Successful ventures build ecosystems, not silos. We will foster cross-sector partnerships among businesses, investors, educators, and civil society to amplify impact. Toolkits, platforms, and collaborative networks will enable replication and growth across industries and regions.
Data-Driven Storytelling and Proof of Impact
Entrepreneurs attract support through evidence. We will combine compelling narratives with hard data—demonstrating how religious freedom correlates with economic resilience, talent retention, and social stability. This approach transforms advocacy into an investment-worthy proposition.
Why This Matters
This approach shifts the conversation from “stopping persecution” to “creating flourishing societies.” It makes religious freedom attractive, practical, and scalable—just as entrepreneurship succeeds by being relational, contextual, and empowering.
Economic Transformation Through Common Growth
A key feature of this approach is transforming the economy through a new model of business that places human relationships and religious freedom at its core. Leveraging the Multi-faith Common Growth Fund impact investment model being launched on the London Stock Exchange along with a Multi-Faith Economy Mark, this initiative will align capital with values—funding enterprises that foster inclusion, dignity, and interfaith collaboration. By embedding religious freedom into economic systems, we create sustainable growth that benefits all stakeholders, proving that freedom is not just a moral imperative but a driver of shared prosperity.
By socializing and normalizing this approach, we can transform religious freedom advocacy from reactive to proactive—making it a cornerstone of human flourishing worldwide.
Faith in Action: Visit to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Hong Kong
7 Dec, 2025
Today, I had the privilege of visiting Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Hong Kong, a vibrant parish with a deep commitment to faith and service. The English Mass was presided over by Fr. Josekutty Matthew, from Kerala, India, and it was a joy to experience the warmth and devotion of this community.
During my visit, Fr. Thomas Law, the parish priest, shared powerful stories that reflect the heart of this congregation. He spoke about the courageous work of parishioners in Gaza, where two doctors from the church have volunteered to meet urgent and dire medical needs amid unimaginable hardship. Their willingness to serve in such a dangerous environment is a living testimony of faith expressed through action.
Fr. Law also highlighted a local initiative: the parish is raising funds to build a new church building to accommodate the growing number of worshippers in the diocese. The need is real, and the community responded generously with a second offering during Mass dedicated to this cause. It was inspiring to see how faith translates into tangible support for the future of the church.
In addition to these efforts, Fr. Law asked for continued prayers for the victims of the Wang Fuk Court fire, a recent tragedy that shook the city. The parish has already raised over $100,000 to help those affected, a remarkable example of solidarity and compassion in times of crisis.
As I left the church, I was struck by the profound sense of mission that animates this community. From global outreach in Gaza to local relief efforts and plans for growth, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church embodies what it means to live faith in action. Their story reminds us that prayer and generosity can change lives — near and far.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Hong Kong is truly unique. Located in the bustling Wanchai district at 1 Star Street, this Roman Catholic parish is notable for being situated within a private multi-story residential building rather than as a standalone structure. Serving the local community with both Chinese and English services.
Its interior design is equally distinctive: a large skylight above the altar floods the sanctuary with natural light, while sparkling crystal beads hang down around a suspended golden cross, creating a breathtaking focal point. Behind the altar, a stunning mosaic of the Wedding at Cana by Mexican artist Francisco Borboa adds artistic depth and spiritual symbolism. Adding to this transcendent atmosphere, flowing water runs under glass from the altar to the baptismal font at the entrance, a beautiful reminder of life and renewal. Learn more here.
Building Freedom Bridges: Mekong Club Helps Business End Modern Slavery
7 Dec, 2025
By Brian Grim
It was great to reconnect with Matt and Sylvia Yu Friedman in Hong Kong. Matt is CEO of The Mekong Club, an organization that works tirelessly to support corporate members and partners in addressing modern slavery across countries and industries. I came away from our meeting with a renewed sense of the urgency of The Mekong Club’s work, a summary of which I’m thrilled to share below.
What if the products you sell or the services you deliver were linked to modern slavery — and you didn’t even know it? For millions of people trapped in forced labor and human trafficking, this isn’t a hypothetical. It’s reality. And for global businesses, the responsibility to act has never been greater.
Empowering Businesses to End Modern Slavery
Modern slavery is one of the most pressing human rights challenges of our time. From forced labor in supply chains to human trafficking across borders, millions remain trapped in exploitative conditions. For global businesses, addressing this issue is not only a moral imperative, it’s a strategic necessity. Consumers, investors, and regulators increasingly demand transparency and ethical practices. Companies that fail to act risk reputational damage and legal consequences.
That’s where The Mekong Club comes in. Based in Hong Kong, this pioneering organization partners with corporations to tackle modern slavery head-on. Founded by Matt Friedman, a leading voice in anti-trafficking efforts, The Mekong Club provides practical tools, training, and collaborative platforms that empower businesses to identify and eliminate slavery risks within their operations and supply chains.
What Makes The Mekong Club Unique?
Unlike many advocacy groups, The Mekong Club focuses on business-driven solutions. They understand that companies are uniquely positioned to influence change because of their reach and resources. Through their membership model, they bring together industry leaders to share best practices, develop innovative strategies, and create systemic impact.
Their approach includes:
- – Risk Assessment Tools: Helping companies map vulnerabilities in their supply chains.
- – Training Programs: Equipping employees with knowledge to spot and prevent exploitation.
- – Industry Working Groups: Facilitating collaboration across sectors to address common challenges.
- – Compliance Guidance: Supporting businesses in meeting international standards and legal requirements.
By combining expertise with actionable resources, The Mekong Club turns good intentions into measurable results.
Why Should Companies Engage?
Modern slavery is not confined to distant factories — it can lurk in any tier of a global supply chain. Partnering with The Mekong Club enables companies to:
- – Protect brand reputation and build consumer trust.
- – Ensure compliance with emerging regulations on human rights and due diligence.
- – Contribute to a global movement that aligns business success with social responsibility.
As Matt Friedman often emphasizes, “Businesses are not the problem — they are the solution.” By leveraging their influence, companies can help dismantle systems of exploitation and create pathways to freedom for millions.
Call-to-Action
If your organization is committed to ethical practices and sustainability, The Mekong Club is an invaluable partner. Visit here to learn more about their mission and explore membership opportunities. Together, we can transform industries, protect human dignity, and make modern slavery a thing of the past.
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