He was instrumental in the search for mutual understanding among the world's religions. I express my deepest condolences for your loss and pray that a worthy successor will arise – a successor who will protect the oldest Christians in the Middle East and prevent the persecution of religious minorities. As you know I have worked to condemn violations of religious freedom throughout the world. As a member of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and the International Religious Freedom Caucus, I am alarmed especially at the dwindling number of Christians in the Middle East. A good friend of mine, Caroline Glick, wrote in the Jerusalem Post a column on this very issue.