THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

               PRESIDENT CLINTON NAMES ROBERT A. SEIPLE AS 
             AMBASSADOR AT LARGE FOR INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS 
                   FREEDOM AT THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE

The President today announced his intent to nominate Robert A. Seiple as Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom.

Mr. Robert A. Seiple, of Federal Way, Washington, has spent the last 11 years as President of World Vision, Inc., the largest privately funded relief and development agency in the world. In that capacity, he increased the annual income base of the organization from $145 million to over $350 million per year. Additionally, Seiple has guided the organization towards an expanded involvement in advocacy in the worldwide struggle against poverty and hunger. He founded the Institute for Global Engagement, a strategic think tank within the organization for global advocacy. Seiple, who was President of Easter College and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary from 1983-1987, was named "Churchman of the Year" in 1994 by Religious Heritage America. The interfaith, non-profit organization seeks to identify and honor outstanding Americans who are motivated by religious principles and beliefs and who provide positive role models. In 1995, he was awarded the Brown University "Independent Award," a Doctorate of Public Service by Gordon College, and the U.S. Secretary of State's Distinguished Public Service Award.

Mr. Seiple received an A.B. degree in American Literature from Brown University in 1965. From 1966 to 1969, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Captain. He flew 300 combat missions in Vietnam and was awarded 5 battle stars, the Navy Commendation Award with Combat "V", 28 air medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. This experience motivated him to become an outspoken advocate for the healing of Vietnam's relations with the U.S.

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