International Center for Law and Religion Studies

Center-Related Conferences and Events 2013

4-7 January 2013. The Association of American Law Schools (AALS) 2013 Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana. [Schedule-at-a-glance, PDF]

14-15 January 2013. Conference on Law and Religion in Africa: Comparative Practices, Experiences, and Prospects, sponsored by the Unit for the Study of Law and Religion, Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa; the Law Faculty, University of Ghana, Legon; the Center for the Study of Law and Religion, Emory University, United States; and the International Center for Law and Religion Studies, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University, United States; held at the University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana [Program, PDF]

20 March 2013. Discussion Series Lecture, Cole Durham, “Against Free Exercise Reductionism”, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University.

23 April 2013. Cole Durham opening lecture, “Freedom of Religion or Belief — Emerging Tensions,” at the Oxford Journal of Law and Religion Lecture Series (Trinity Term): ‘Changing Nature of Religious Rights under International Law – 30 Years after the 1981 Declaration’. Public lectures, Tuesdays 5.00 pm, Regent’s Park College.

25-27 April 2013. Challenges for Democracy: Religion, Law and Dialogue in the CIS and Baltics, held at the Baltic International Academyin Riga, Latvia, Cole Durham and Elizabeth Clark participating. Sponsored by the Baltic International Academy; the Academy of Labor and Social Relations (Moscow), the Coordinating Council of CIS and the Baltics on Theoretical and Practical Religious Studies, the Center of Religious Studies Research “ReligioPolis” (Moscow), and the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University (USA).

29 April 2013. “Unprecedented Repression of Religious Minorities and NGOs in Russia,” a side-event organized by Human Rights Without Frontiers Int’l (HRWF Int’l), the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) and the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies (KCIS), held at the UN in Geneva, Cole Durham moderating.

8 May 2013. Discussion Series Lecture, Elizabeth Clark, “Converging Challenges to Religious Freedom,” J. Reuben Clark Law School, Provo, Utah.

10-11 May 2013. International Conference, “Models of Relationship of State and Church: Contemporary Tendencies,” Yerevan, Armenia, David Kirkham, keynote speaker.

14 May 2013. Law and Religion Scholars Network (LARSN) Annual Conference 2013, Centre for Law and Religion, Cardiff University Law School. David Kirkham, presenting.

16 May 2013. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, 18th Anniversary Canterbury Medal Dinner, honoring Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Pierre Hotel, New York City.

23-24 May 2013. International Symposium on Iraq, ‘Human Rights and Justice in Iraq’, Istanbul, Turkey. The symposium is sponsored by the International Jurists Union, Istanbul University, Istanbul Sehir University, Istanbul Yeni Yüzyil University, Association of Researchers on The Middle East and Africa (ORDAF), and Lawyers’ Association, Brett Scharffs presenting.

25 May 2013. World Festival of Religious Freedom, Anhangabaú Valley, São Paulo, Brazil, sponsored by the International Religious Liberty Association, Cole Durham attending.

28 May 2013. Conference “The Religious Factor in the Social-Political Life of Contemporary Russia: Religion and Law in State Policies“, organized by the Center for the Study of the Problems of Religion and Society, Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Guild of Experts on Religion and Law, held at the Scientific Council of the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Cole Durham participating.

30 May 2013. National Religious Freedom Conference, hosted by the American Religious Freedom Program of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, Gary Doxey participating.

7 June 2013. Panel discussion on Freedom of Religion and Church-State Relations in Hungary: The State of Play after the Fourth Amendment of the Fundamental Law, chairs Renáta Uitz and W. Cole Durham, Jr.; organized by the International Center for Law and Religion Studies, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University, United States, and Central European University, Legal Studies Department; venue, Popper Room, Central European University, Budapest, Hungary.

7-8 June 2013. Freedom of Religion and Non-Discrimination: The Collision of Identities, conference held at Central European University, Budapest, Hungary, co-sponsored by the Department of Legal Studies (CEU), the International Center for Law and Religion Studies (Brigham Young University).

14 June 2013. Cole Durham awarded honorary doctorate from Ovidius University, Constanta, Romania.

17 June 2013. Seminar in Celebration of Mary Ann Glendon, Florence, Italy. Cole Durham attending.

17-22 June 2013. Oxford Journal of Law and Religion Summer Academy 2013, Regent’s Park College Oxford.

18-20 June 2013. Oxford Conference, International Protection of Religious Freedom, Emerging Issues, Harris Manchester College and other locations in Oxford.

27-28 June 2013. Annual Law and Religion Roundtable, held at Stanford Law School.

12 July 2013. Discussion Series Lecture, “David Kirkham, “Freedom of Conscience and the American Identity,” J. Reuben Clark Law School, Provo, Utah.

15-16 July 2013. Fourth Summer Certificate Training Program in China, Beijing.

19-21 August 2013. ICLRS hosts the XIII Coloquio del Consorcio Latinoamericano de Libertad Religiosa, “Libertad Religiosa, Igualdad y Autonomía de las Entidades Religiosas”, Richmond Virginia, USA.

21-23 August 2013. Third Conference of the International Consortium for Law and Religion Studies, “Religion, Democracy, and Equality“, Richmond, Charlottesville, and Williamsburg, Virginia.

4 September 2013. Discussion Series Lecture, Brett Scharffs, “Can Public Reason Accommodate Conscience?” J. Reuben Clark Law School, Provo, Utah.

16-25 September 2013. Second Certificate Training Program on Religion and the Rule of Law, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

6-8 October 2013. Twentieth Annual International Law and Religion Symposium, Religion and Human Rights, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.

9-10 October 2013. “Freedom to Flourish: Is Religious Freedom Necessary for Peace, Prosperity, and Democracy?” Center co-sponsored event at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. Robert Smith and Cole Durham participating.

10-11 October 2013. International Congress of Constanta (Romania), on the anniversary of 1700 years from the proclamation of the Edict of Milan (313): “The Edict of Milan and Religious Liberty: The Impact of this Liberty over the Centuries,” held in Constanta, Romania. Sponsored by Academy of Romanian Scientists (The Centre for Religious and Juridical-Canonical Study and Research of the Three Monotheistic Religions: Mosaic, Christian, and Islamic), Ovidius University of Constanta (Romania). Organized in collaboration with: The International Center for Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School, United States; The University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland; Ivane Javakhishvili Tblisi State University, Georgia; The Pontifical University of John Paul II in Cracow, Poland;The Archdiocese of Tomis (Constanta/Romania) (The Institute for Religious, Cultural and Juridical-Canonical Studies); The Romanian-Arab Culture and Press Club. Center representative James Faulconer.

10-12 October 2013. Annual Meeting of the American Society of Comparative Law, Little Rock, Arkansas.

30-31 October 2013. International Symposium on Freedom and Security, Istanbul, Turkey. Brett Scharffs participating.

1 November 2013. China Certificate Training Program Alumni Meeting in Beijing. Brett Scharffs attending.

2-4 November 2013. Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Institute of World Religions China Social Sciences Forum – World Religions and the Dialogue of Civilizations, Brett Scharffs presenting “Can Public Reason Accommodate Conscience?”

7-9 November 2013. Conference on “Islam in the Law: Sharia, Secularism, and Society in the Euro-Mediterranean Region,” Ifrane, Morocco, Cole Durham participating.

3-5 December 2013. Second International Religious Freedom Conference, “Tearing Down Walls: Achieving Religious Equality in Turkey“, sponsored by the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, held in Berlin, Germany. Cole Durham speaking in a panel on “Tearing Down Walls: Legal and Humanitarian Perspectives on Equality, State Neutrality, and Pluralism.”

The Archon 2nd International Conference on Religious Freedom, Berlin 4-5 December 2013

Professor Cole Durham attended the Second International Conference on Religious Freedom: “Tearing Down Walls: Achieving Religious Equality in Turkey”, held Germany, December 4 and 5, 2013. This “extraordinary, historic and watershed event” was organized and hosted by the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America in cooperation with the Patriarchal Liaison Office of the Orthodox Church to the European Union. The coordination of the local political and church partners was undertaken by the Greek Orthodox Metropolitanate of Germany with the blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Augoustinos.

Politicians, diplomats, human rights lawyers and advocates, scholars, religious leaders, journalists and members of minority communities gathered “to see how the walls of intolerance and misunderstanding can come tumbling down, and a new future for all people of goodwill can begin.

Islam in the Law: Sharia, Secularism, and Society in the Euro-Mediterranean Region

The Center co-sponsored conference “Islam in the Law: Sharia, Secularism, and Society in the Euro-Mediterranean Region” was held November 7-9, 2013 at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco. Welcomes by Dean Nisar Messari of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor T. Jeremy Gunn both of Al Akhawayn, were followed by keynote addresses by Professor Olivier Roy, European University Institute, and Tahir Mahmood, Professor of Eminence & Honorary Chair, Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Amity International University.

Other speakers were Professors Cole Durham and James Toronto of Brigham Young University; Professor Gerhard Robbers, University of Trier; Professor Alessandro Ferrari, University of Milan; Professor Blandine Chelini-Pont, University Aix-Marseilles; Professor…

Brett Scharffs at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, 2-4 November 2013

ICLRS Associate Director Brett Scharffs participated in the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) Institute of World Religions China Social Sciences Forum – World Religions and the Dialogue of Civilizations – held in Beijing on November 2-4, 2013. Professor Scharffs addressed the question, “Can Public Reason Accommodate Conscience?”

Scharffs noted that public reason as a framework for political dialogue has come to have a force in American and European political thought that might have come as a surprise even to its most articulate contemporary defender, John Rawls. But as religious and other minority or dissenting voices are increasingly pushed to the margins of public discourse a serious philosophical, political and practical question has arisen about the extent to which public reason can accommodate claims of conscience. The basic problem, Scharffs said, can be presented starkly: if public reason rules inadmissible reasons that are not publicly accessible, is there any reason to respect conscience at all, since by its very nature the claims of conscience may be private and only partially accessible or explicable. If public reason reigns supreme as a model of public discourse, Scharffs asks, are claims of conscience doomed?

An abstract of his article was published in the Conference Handbook, and the full paper will be published in a book of papers from the conference. To view the accompanying PowerPoint presentation in English and Chinese, click the links below.

China Certificate Training Program Alumni Meet in Beijing

Alumni from the first four annual Certificate Training Programs in Religion and the Rule of Law gathered in Beijing on Saturday, November 1, 2013, to discuss the future of religion and the rule of law in China and elsewhere in Asia, and to share their recent research. Thirty former participants in the Certificate Training Programs from 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 participated in the meeting, which is one of four regional “midyear” conferences being held during October and November in various cities in China. International Center for Law and Religion Studies Associate Director Brett Scharffs participated in the meeting and made a presentation about law and religion fellowships at BYU Law School. A Fifth Certificate Training Program will be held in Beijing in July 2014.

Brett Scharffs Presents on Moving Beyond Balancing at International Symposium on Freedom and Security, Istanbul, 30-31 October 2013

J. Reuben Clark Law School Associate Dean Brett Scharffs presented a paper, Freedom and Security: Beyond the Balancing Metaphor at an International Symposium in Istanbul, Turkey on October 30-31, 2013. The symposium focused on the balance between freedom and security in fighting against terrorism and was sponsored by the Justice Academy of Turkey, and included scholars, journalists, judges, and government officials from around the world. In his paper, Dean Scharffs noted that when freedom and security come into conflict we instinctively turn to metaphors involving balancing to guide our discussions…

Center Hosts Panel Discussion Following Special Rapporteur UN Report

Report by Lawrence Richard Peterson Jr.

Between October 28 and 30, 2013, Professor Cole Durham of the J. Reuben Clark Law School’s International Center for Law and Religion Studies was involved in events featuring Heiner Bielefeldt, the UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Religion or Belief.

On Monday, October 28th, the Canadian Mission to the United Nations hosted a side event on the UN campus moderated by Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom. On Tuesday, Professor Durham attended the UN Committee on Human Rights where Professor Bielefeldt presented his report.

On Wednesday the International Center for Law and Religion Studies co-hosted with the NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief a luncheon and panel discussion featuring Professor Bielefeldt. Other panelists were Laksmi Puri, deputy executive director of UN Women, Gulalai Ismail, founder and chairperson of Aware Girls, Margareta Grape, representative to the UN of the World…

Dr. John Graz Receives Religious Liberty Award in Washington DC, 10 October 2013

The International Center for Law and Religion Studies and the J. Reuben Clark Law Society were honored to present to Dr. John Graz, Secretary-General of the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA), the 2013 Religious Liberty Award. The award was presented at an Awards Dinner held October 10, 2013 in Washington, D.C. Those in attendance were also privileged to hear remarks from former senator Gordon Smith, who spoke on the unique link between American history and religious freedom.

Also honored at the dinner were the winners of the 2013 Religious Liberty Essay Contest. Eric Baxter, Chair of the D.C. Mid-Atlantic Chapter for the J. Reuben Clark Law Society presented awards to James Cleith Phillips, Ethan Blevins, Landes Taylor, and Spencer R. Nelson for their essays treating aspects of religious freedom in law, jurisprudence, and legal scholarship….

Freedom to Flourish: Is Religious Freedom Necessary for Peace, Prosperity, and Democracy? Berkley Center at Georgetown University, 10 October 2013

The International Center for Law and Religion Studies co-sponsored Day Two of the conference “Freedom to Flourish: Is Religious Freedom Necessary for Peace, Prosperity, and Democracy?” held 10 October 2013 at the Berkeley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

A Keynote Conversation: Whither the First Freedom? Debating the Current State and Possible Future of Religious Liberty in America, moderated by journalist Jane Little, feature prominent panelists E.J. Dionne of the Washington Post, Ross Douthat of the New York Times, and Ken Starr, President of Baylor University.

Other discussions at the event focused on the three questions: Does Religious Freedom Undermine Terrorism and Conflict and Foster Secure Societies? Does Religious Freedom Promote Economic Freedom and Prosperity Everywhere? What is the Evidence that Religious Freedom is Necessary for the Political Success of Free Societies?

Panelists and moderators included Thomas Farr, William Inboden, Timothy Shaw, and Daniel Philpott of the Berkley Center’s Religious Freedom Project; Brian Grim, Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life; Will Inboden, University of Texas at Austin; John Owen, University of Virginia; Tamara Wittes, Brookings Institution; Ilan Alon, Rollins College; Timur Kuran, Duke University; Ian Linden, Tony Blair Faith Foundation; Rebecca Shah, Berkley Center; Tony Gill, University of Washington; Daniel Philpott, Religious Freedom Project; Nukhet Sandal, Ohio University; Ani Sarkissian, Michigan State University; Tony Gill, University of Washington; Nukhet Sandal, Ohio University; and Ani Sarkissian, Michigan State University.

The Center was represented at the event by Director W. Cole Durham, Jr., and Managing Director Robert T. Smith.

Second Certificate Training Program on Religion and the Rule of Law in Vietnam

The International Center for Law and Religion Studies (ICLRS, Brigham Young University), in partnership with the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) and the University of Social Science and Humanities (USSH at Vietnam National University Hanoi) hosted the second ten-day certificate training program on “Religion and the Rule of Law” in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam, from 16-25 September 2013. This program is designed to systematically build an intellectual infrastructure to help guide the current and emerging generation of Vietnamese scholars, government officials, policy advisors, and religious leaders, as they work to improve policy on religious freedom in their own contexts. The process is intended to provide a network for change, so that these Vietnamese leaders can make the case from within…

Professor Brett Scharffs: Can public reason accommodate conscience?

Professor Brett G. Scharffs addressed the topic “Can Public Reason Accommodate Conscience?” at the Religious Freedom Discussion on Wednesday, September 4, 2013, at Brigham Young University and via live Webinar. Professor Scharffs is Francis R. Kirkham Professor of Law, Associate Director of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies, and Associate Dean of Research and Academic Affairs at the BYU Law School.

Download Professor Scharffs’ PowerPoint Presentation here.
Download the recording (.wmv) of the presentation here.

An internationally recognized scholar and lecturer in the fields of comparative law and religion, philosophy of law, and international business law…

Third ICLARS Conference: Religion, Democracy, and Equality, 21-23 August 2013

The International Consortium for Law and Religion Studies (ICLARS) held its third bi-annual conference—Religion, Democracy, and Equality—August 21-23, 2013 in Virginia, United States. The conference, organized under the direction of the ICLARS Steering Committee, featured presentations by more than 90 international experts. The keynote address was given by Heiner Bielefeldt, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief.

The International Center for Law and Religion Studies (ICLRS) of the J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University, was pleased to play a supportive role in the organization and sponsoring of the conference, under the direction of ICLARS President and ICLRS Director, W. Cole Durham, Jr.

Co-sponsors of the conference included the University of Virginia School of Law, the Institute of Bill of Rights Law of William & Mary Law School, and the First Freedom Center. The organizers…

XIII Coloquio del Consorcio Latinoamericano de Libertad Religiosa

The Consorcio Latinoamericano de Libertad Religiosa held its 13th Annual Colloquium – “Libertad Religiosa, Igualdad y Autonomía de las Entidades Religiosas” – August 19-21, 2013 at Randolph-Macon University near Richmond, Virginia. The conference was sponsored by the International Center for Law and Religion Studies (ICLRS) of the J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University. Center Director W. Cole Durham, Jr., who is also President of the International Consortium for Law and Religion Studies (ICLARS, Milan, Italy), was the keynote speaker.

The Conorcio Latinoamericano de Libertad Religiosa is the foremost academic association for scholars…

Summer Certificate Training Program in China 2013: Religion and the Rule of Law

The fourth Summer Certificate Training Program in China, Religion and the Rule of Law, took palce at the Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing, PRC, July 15-26, 2013. The event was sponsored by The Center for Constitutional and Administrative Law, Peking University Law School; the Pu Shi Institute for Social Science; and the Beijing Foreign Studies University. Cole Durham, Brett Scharffs, and Law Student Carl Hollan attended from Brigham Young University….

David Kirkham Discussion Series Recording and PowerPoint Now Available

Professor David M. Kirkham presented the third lecture in the 2013 Religious Freedom Discussion Series, “Freedom of Conscience and the American Identity,” on 10 July 2013 at Brigham Young University.

The recording (wmv format) of the lecture is available here.
Professor Kirkham’s PowerPoint presentation is available here.

Professor Kirkham is Senior Fellow for Comparative Law and International Policy and Regional Advisor for the European Union and Council of Europe of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies and professor in the Department…

Oxford Journal of Law and Religion Summer Academy 2013

The first Oxford Journal of Law and Religion Summer Academy was held 17-21 June 2013 at Regent’s Park College and Harris Manchester College, Oxford, UK. Featured themes of the Academy included religious rights, religious minorities, iinternational law and international relations; law, religion and politics in the Middle East; legal protection of holy places; political theology; and international law and the Christian tradition. Speaking and chairing panels at the Academy were Oxford Journal of Law and Religion Editors-in-Chief Cole Durham and Julian Rivers, as well as Peter Petkoff, the Journal’s Managing Director, and Donlu Thayer, Journal Case Note Editor. Other Journal editors attending were Jessica Giles, Case Note Editor, Rhodri Jackson, Senior Publisher and Open Editor, and Maxine Daniels, Senior Production Editor….

Oxford Conference: International Protection of Religious Freedom, Emerging Issues

The International Center for Law and Religion Studies of the J. Reuben Clark Law School and the Brigham Young University London Centre sponsored the conference “International Protection of Religious Freedom: Emerging Issues”, held at Harris Manchester College, Oxford University, 18-19 June 2013.

This conference was a central event of the inaugural Oxford Journal of Law and Religion Summer Academy. Among those attending were ICLRS Director W. Cole Durham, Jr., President of the International Consortium for Law and Religion Studies (ICLARS, Milan) and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Oxford Journal of Law and Religion; ICLRS Associate Director and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs of the J. Reuben Clark Law School Brett G. Scharffs, who is a member of the Advisory Board of the Oxford Journal of Law and Religion; and Donlu Thayer, ICLRS Senior Editor and a…

Freedom of Religion Panel and Conference at Central European University, 7-8 June 2013

A panel discussion of issues surrounding church-state relations in Hungary, followed by a conference devoted to discussion freedom of religion and non-discrimination, was held at Central European University, Budapest, Hungary, 7-8 June 2013. The events were organized by the International Center for Law and Religion Studies, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University, United States and Central European University, Legal Studies Department, Hungary. Both events took place in the Popper Room, Nador u. 9, Monument Building, CEU.

The morning of Day One featured two panel discussions on Freedom of Religion and Church State Relations in Hungary: The State of Play After the Fourth Amendment of the Fundamental Law. The first panel (9:00 am), “Freedom of Religion and Church State Relations: The Old and the New Legislative Framework”, was chaired by Renáta Uitz (CEU Legal Studies), with panelists Balázs Schanda (Péter Pázmány Catholic University…

Brett Scharffs at “Human Rights and the Islamic World: The Case of Iraq”, Istanbul

Professor Brett G. Scharffs, Associate Director of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies, Britham Young University, presented the paper “The Right of Fair Trial and Independence of Judiciary in Iraq” at the International Symposium “Human Rights and Justice in Iraq,” held in Istanbul, Turkey 23-24 May 2013.

Among the other international experts particiapting in the Symposium were Av. Necati Ceylan, Secretary-General of the International Union of Lawyers; Prof. Dr. Zekeriya Kurşun, Chairman of ORDAF; Av. Cavit Tatlı, Chairman of Lawyers Association; Prof. Dr. M. Refik Korkusuz, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Yeni Yüzyıl University; and Prof. Dr. H. Hüsnü Gündüz, Rector of Yeni Yüzyıl University, who gave the opening speeches, followed by the presentation of Prof. Dr. Ahmet Davutoğlu – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, who spoke to the subject “Iraq in Turkey’s Foreign Policy as a Multi-Dimensional Factor”.

In a session chaired by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kavas and titled “Political and Social Structure in Iraq Yapi” were the following presenters:

Dr. Zaid Abdul-Wahab İsmail – Journalist at Baghdad Channel – Iraq, topic “Ethnicity, Religious Sects and Civil Society in Iraq
Prof. Dr. Samir Salha – Kocaeli University – Turkey, topic “Iraq Constitution in the Context of the Middle East Constitutional Developments”
Dr. Zaid Abdul-Wahab İsmail – Journalist at Baghdad Channel – Iraq, topic “Ethnicity, Religious Sects and Civil Society in Iraq”
Dr. Abdulrahman Muhammed Sayed – Lawyer – Egypt, topic “Democracy within the Party and Political Stability in Iraq”
Abdulwahab al-Gasab, topic “Administrative and political structure in Iraq after 2003 and the role of Neocons”
Prof. Dr. Walid Elgohary – Member of Accounting Center – Egypt, topic “Impact of the Arab Spring to Iraq”

In a session chaired by Prof. Dr. Emrah Cengiz and devoted to the topic “Human Rights and Human Rights Violations in Iraq” were the following participants:

Dr. Mohammed Al-Daini – Former Member of Parliament and Activist – Iraq, topic “Unlawful practices set forth for political purposes”
Prof. Dr. May Abdullah– Lebanon University – Lebanon. topic “Media and Human Rights in Iraq”
Dr. Sabah Yaseen – Alsharg Alawsat University – Jordan, topic “Condition of Iraqi Media in New Repressive Regime”
Khaled Alizzi – Human Rights Association – Iraq, topic “The harsh attitude of Iraqi government against demonstrations: Huveyce Massacre Case”
Dr. Abd El Hamid Mohammed Abd El Hamid – Beni Suef University – Egypt, topic “War Crimes in Iraq”

Prof. Dr. Emrullah İşler chaired the session “Comparison of Human Rights in Iraq with International Law”:

Dr. Abdulhameed Majeed Ismael – Istanbul University – Turkey, “Attitude of National and International Organizations against Human Rights Violations in Iraq”
Dr. Tarek Chindeb – Lawyer – Lebanon, “The Role of the International Criminal Court on Human Rights Violations in Iraq”
Vedud Fevzi Şemsuddin –Lawyer – Iraq, “The Role of the International Criminal Court and International Law for the Judgement of Human Rights Crimes”
Prof. Dr. Peter Shirlow – Queen’s University – Ireland, “Internal and External Factors in the Occurrence of the Iraqi Crisis”
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Kaya – Istanbul University – Turkey, “International Law and Justice in Iraq War”

The second day of the conference opened with an address by Dr. Tarık Hashimi – Vice President of the Republic of Iraq: “Iraq before and after the occupation in National and International Context”

A session chaired by Prof. Dr. Serdar Bedii Omay discussed “Analyis of Freedom of Belief in the Frame of Human Rights in Iraq”, with the following presenters:

Prof. Dr. İsmail Bamarni – Dahok University – Iraq, “Positive Effects of Religious Institutions against Violations of Rights in Iraq”
Sabah Barkho – Historian – Iraq, “Human Rights Violations against Christians in Iraq”
Prof. Dr. Muhammed Ayyash El Kubaisy, “Program of ethnic cleansing against Sunnis in Iraq”
Dr. Aveen Khaled Abdurrahman – Dahok University – Iraq, “Comparing of Freedom of Religion and Practice in the Iraqi Constitution with the Universal Law”
Abdulwahab Ahmed Al-Samarrai, “Opression against of Sunni Civil Society Organisations in Iraq”

The session chaired by Prof. Dr. Yaşar Hacısalihoğlu discussed “The Right to a Fair Trial under International Law”:

Doç. Dr. Murat Yanık – Istanbul University – Turkey, “Fair Trial Rights in Iraq in the Light of Comparative Law and International Standards”
Prof. Dr. David Pimentel – Ohio Northern University – United States, “Independence of the Judiciary and the Role of the Islamic Shari’a in Iraq”
Salim Şehri – Union of International Muslim Lawyers – Saudi Arabia, “Fair Trial in Islamic Law”
Naji Haraj – Switzerland, “Iraqi Jurisdiction with respect to International Judicial”

Salih Murat chaired the session “Fair Trial Problem in Iraq”:

Prof. Dr. Brett Scharffs – Brigham Young University– United States, “The Right of Fair Trial and Independence of Judiciary in Iraq”
Muhammed bin Dımyan el-Uneyzi – Lawyer – Saudi Arabia, “The Criminal Trial Process of Saudi Arabia Citizens in Iraq”
Doç. Dr. Waadi Süleyman – Dahok University – Iraq, “A Look at the Death Penalty within the framework of Right to Fair Trial in Iraqi Legislation”
Mubarek Mutavva – Lawyer – Kuwait, “The Case of Tariq Hashimi Trial within the framework of Fair Trial in Iraq”
Moayed Alizzy – Lawyer – Iraq, “Presentation of Hashimi Case”

The Symposium concluded with a Negotiation and Final Declaration.

Brett Scharffs at “Human Rights and the Islamic World: The Case of Iraq”, Istanbul

In a session chaired by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kavas and titled “Political and Social Structure in Iraq Yapi” were the following presenters:

In a session chaired by Prof. Dr. Emrah Cengiz and devoted to the topic “Human Rights and Human Rights Violations in Iraq” were the following participants:

Prof. Dr. Emrullah İşler chaired the session “Comparison of Human Rights in Iraq with International Law”:

A session chaired by Prof. Dr. Serdar Bedii Omay discussed “Analyis of Freedom of Belief in the Frame of Human Rights in Iraq”, with the following presenters:

The session chaired by Prof. Dr. Yaşar Hacısalihoğlu discussed “The Right to a Fair Trial under International Law”:

Doç. Dr. Murat Yanık and Yrd. Doç. Dr. Fatih Öztürk – Istanbul University – Turkey, “Fair Trial Rights in Iraq in the Light of Comparative Law and International Standards”
Prof. Dr. David Pimentel – Ohio Northern University – United States, “Independence of the Judiciary and the Role of the Islamic Shari’a in Iraq”
Salim Şehri – Union of International Muslim Lawyers – Saudi Arabia, “Fair Trial in Islamic Law”
Naji Haraj – Switzerland, “Iraqi Jurisdiction with respect to International Judicial”

Salih Murat chaired the session “Fair Trial Problem in Iraq”:

The Symposium concluded with a Negotiation and Final Declaration.

Conference in Moscow: The Religious Factor in the Socio-Political Life of Modern Russia

The conference “The Religious Factor in the Socio-Political Life of Modern Russia: Religion, and Law in Public Policy” was held in Moscow on 28 May 2013 in the Great Hall of the Academic Council of the Institute of Europe. Organizers of the conference included the Academy of Labor and Social Relations, Department of Sociology and Management of Social Relations and the Center of Religious Study “ReligoPolis” (Moscow, Russia); the Family Center and the International Center of Law and Religious Studies, both of Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah, USA); the Russian Orthodox University of Saint John Evangelist (Moscow) Department of Religious Studies, Ethnology and Regional Studies. Cole Durham participated.

Elizabeth Clark on “Converging Challenges to Religious Freedom” – Recordings Available

The 2013 Religious Freedom Discussion Series continued on 8 May with an excellent and informative lecture by Professor Elizabeth Clark, Associate Director of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies of the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University, which sponsors the series. At the meeting held at noon in the law school and simulcast by Webinar to listeners worldwide, Professor Clark discussed “Converging Challenges to Religious Freedom.”

Download Professor Clark’s PowerPoint presentation here.
The recordings of the presentation are available in two formats: wmv mp4…

Challenges for Democracy: Religion, Law and Dialogue in the CIS and Baltics

The conference “Challenges for Democracy: Religion, Law and Dialogue in the CIS and Baltics“, was held 25-27 April 2013 at the Baltic International Academy in Riga, Latvia. The conference brought together scholars and government leaders from the CIS and Baltics to look at law and religion issues in this region.

The conference organizing committee consisted of Ringolds Balodis, University of Latvia; Elizabeth Clark and Cole Durham, Brigham Young University; Ekaterina Elbakyan, Academy of Labor and Social Relations (Moscow); Merilin Kiviorg, Oxford University; Andrei Tatarchuk, Baltic International Academy; and Renata Uitz, Central European…

Professor David Kirkham at LARSN Annual Conference

On May 14, 2013, at the annual conference of the Law and Religion Scholars Network (LARSN) at Cardiff Law School, University of Cardiff, Wales, Dr. David Kirkham, Senior Fellow for Comparative Law and International Policy and Regional Advisor for the European Union and Council of Europe of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies, Brigham Young University, made a presentation entitled “Natural Rights and Natural Wrongs: Liberty, Law and Self-Restraint in the Mostly Secular West.” The conference was attended by law and religion scholars from throughout the United Kingdom and numerous foreign countries. Professor Norman Doe, Director of Cardiff Law School’s Centre for Law and…

David Kirkham Keynote Speaker at Armenia State and Church Conference

Professor David M. Kirkham, International Center for Law and Religion Studies, Brigham Young University, and Professor Ivan Strenski, University of California, Riverside, delivered the keynote addresses at the conference “Models of Relationship of State and Church: Contemporary Tendencies,” which took place 10-11 May 2013 at the American University of Armenia in Yerevan. Sponsored by the Collaboration for Democracy Centre under the direction of Stepan Danielyan, and with the support of the US Embassy…

Side Event about Human Rights in Russia at the UN in Geneva – 29 April 2013

“Unprecedented Repression of Religious Minorities and NGOs in Russia” was the subject of a two-hour side-event organized by Human Rights Without Frontiers Int’l (HRWF Int’l), the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) and the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies (KCIS) at the United Nations in Geneva on 29 April 2013.

This event focused on recent, unprecedented human rights violations in Russia, particularly where religious liberty is concerned. The meeting was scheduled to take place on the day that the Russian Federation was being reviewed by the United Nations’ Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the mechanism used by the Human Rights Council to review the human rights record of individual member states. Side Events, also known as parallel events, are meetings that take place alongside or in conjunction with the larger formal events such as the UPR and the Human Rights Council. These are formal meetings that attract state delegations, NGO representatives and invited guests who come from all over the world. The Side Events are organized for the express purpose of sharing experiences, highlighting concerns, and increasing opportunities for informal dialogue and relationship building among meeting participants.

“Unprecedented Repression of Religious Minorities and NGOs in Russia” featured Professor Cole Durham of Brigham Young University, USA as moderator, with Willy Fautré, chairman of Human Rights Without Frontiers International (HRWF Int’l) in the role of panel organizer. The other panelists were: Alexander Verkhovsky from the Sova Human Rights Centre, Russia; Patricia Duval, Human Rights Attorney from France; and Vladimir Kuropyatnik from Russia, who read remarks prepared by Sergey Ivanenko, a Russian expert in Religious Studies who was unable to attend because he couldn’t get a visa. The event was well attended with just over 100 individuals entering the room and approximately 70 staying throughout the session. Uncommonly impressive was the range of state delegations that were represented, 21 including some interns, indicative of the concern and interest in the topic. The presidents of the several NGO committees in which the Kennedy Center has active membership were also present (FORB, HREL, DEVCOM, and CSVGC).

Report by Human Rights Without Frontiers

Professor Cole Durham at Discussion Series: “Against Free Exercise Reductionism”

W. Cole Durham, Jr., Director of The International Center for Law and Religion Studies and Susa Young Gates Professor of Law at Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School, presented the first lecture in the third Religious Freedom Discussion Series on Wednesday, 20 March 2013. Professor Durham’s topic was “Against Free Exercise Reductionism.”

The PowerPoint presentation: download here.
The recording of the live Webinar: mp4 format wmv format

…

Conference on Law and Religion in Africa — University of Ghana, 14-15 January 2013

A conference on Law and Religion in Africa: Comparative Practices, Experiences, and Prospects was held 14-15 January 2013 at the University of Ghana in Legon, Ghana. Scholars, legal professionals, and religious leaders from Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierre Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and the United States gathered in Legon for the two-day event.

The Opening Session of the conference was chaired by Ernest Aryeetey, Vice-Chancellor and Professor, University of Ghana, and James R. Rasband, Dean and Hugh W. Colton Professor of Law of the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University. After welcome and introductions by Kofi Quashigah, Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Ghana, participants were welcomed by Justice Samuel…

Association for the Study of Religion, Economics, and Culture Annual Conference

Washington DC, 11-14 April 2013

After a successful 2012 meeting at Chapman University in Orange, CA, ASREC returns to the DC area in April 2013 its annual conference, meeting that will engage with questions of economics, religion and culture across the social sciences, bringing together a wide variety of academics, as well as journalists, policy specialists, and government officials.

The conference location is close to Reagan National Airport as well as Washington’s monuments, museums, parks…