Freedom of religion or belief has long been protected as a human right in founding international treaties and national constitutions. Scholars have also demonstrated that it is a social good that brings tangible benefits  to individuals, families, and communities. This year the International Law and Religion Symposium will explore the value religious freedom brings to nations and the world in promoting peace and building peaceful societies.

Religion itself can be deeply ambivalent when it comes to peace. On the one hand, religion is often associated with peace, inspiring reconciliation commissions after conflict or giving space for denominations who in turn act as a broker for peace. Religion, however, can also be a source of inspiration or identification for those hostile to peace.

The solution to these challenges comes from religious freedom, which brings religion’s social benefits of peace while supporting the needed rule of law and limitations to prevent religion-inspired violence. Speakers this year from over 50 countries will explore these ideas in both global trends and local experiences. What impact does religious freedom have on establishing peace and good governance? How has religious freedom brought religious groups and benefits into public life that might not otherwise have been accepted? Are there examples of where religious freedom has helped to defuse social conflict along religious lines? What are appropriate limitations on religious freedom during conflict and to protect national security? We look forward to exploring these and other questions with national and global experts.