Religious Freedom Annual Review 2016

The 2016 Religious Freedom Annual Review, hosted by the International Center for Law and Religion Studies (ICLRS) of BYU Law School, took place 7-8 July 2016 at the Conference Center on the campus of Brigham Young University.

Program

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Welcome

  • Elizabeth A. Clark, Associate Director, International Center for Law and Religion Studies, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University
  • Brett G. Scharffs, Director, International Center for Law and Religion Studies, and Francis R. Kirkham Professor of Law, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University
  • Christine Hurt, Associate Dean for Faculty and Curriculum and Rex J. and Maureen E. Rawlinson Professor, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University

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Keynote Address: “Promoting Religious Freedom in a Secular Age: Fundamental Principles, Practical Priorities, and Fairness for All”

  • Lance B. Wickman, General Counsel and Emeritus General Authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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Keynote: “Defending Religious Liberty v. Secularity: Is the American Founding Still Useful?”

  • Matthew S. Holland, President, Utah Valley University

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Workshop: Understanding Media Coverage of Religion

  • Terry Mattingly, nationally-syndicated religion journalist and Senior Fellow for Media and Religion at The King’s College in New York City

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Workshop: What does the Separation of Church and State Really Mean? The First Amendment’s Establishment Clause

  • Mark Goldfeder, Director of Law and Religion Student Program and Spruill Family Senior Fellow in Law and Religion, Emory University School of Law

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Workshop: Muslims, America, and Religious Freedom

  • Imam Muhammad Musri, Senior Imam, President and Chairman of the Board of the Islamic Society of Central Florida

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Workshop: How Can I Discuss Religious Freedom Effectively?

  • Michael D. Frandsen, Director, Public Affairs, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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General Session: Political Trends and Religious Freedom: Where Are We and Where Are We Going On Religious Freedom Issues Nationally?

  • Moderator: David M. Kirkham, Senior Fellow for Comparative Law and International Policy, International Center for Law and Religion Studies, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University
  • David Masci, Senior Writer/Editor, Pew Research Center
  • Thomas C. Berg, James L. Oberstar Professor of Law and Public Policy, University of St. Thomas School of Law
  • Tim Schultz, President, First Amendment Partnership
  • Brett G. Scharffs, Director, International Center for Law and Religion Studies, and Francis R. Kirkham Professor of Law, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University

Watch     David Masci’s Powerpoint     Session Summary

Friday, July 8, 2016

General Session: “What Should Religious Freedom Mean in Society? Prioritizing Religious Freedoms” and “(De)constructing American Community: Religious Freedom as Substance and Symbol”

  • Alexander Dushku, Shareholder, Kirton & McConkie
  • Steven D. Smith, Warren Distinguished Professor of Law and Co-Executive Director, Institute for Law & Religion, University of San Diego School of Law

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General Session: Interfaith Cooperation: How Can We Work Together to Promote Religious Freedom?

  • Moderator: Elizabeth A. Clark, Associate Director, International Center for Law and Religion Studies, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University
  • Imam Muhammad Musri, Senior Imam, President and Chairman of the Board of the Islamic Society of Central Florida
  • Daniel Mark, U.S. Commissioner for International Religious Freedom

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Workshop: How Broad is Religious Freedom? Constitutional and Legislative Protections

  • Thomas C. Berg, James L. Oberstar Professor of Law and Public Policy, University of St. Thomas School of Law

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Workshop: Religion and the Workplace: Rights and Accommodations

  • M. Christian Green, Senior Fellow, Center for the Study of Law and Religion, Emory University

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Workshop: Religion in Public Schools: What Rights do Parents and Students Have?

  • Scott E. Ferrin, Professor, David O. McKay School of Education, Brigham Young University

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Workshop: How Do I Get Involved? Where Can I Make a Difference?

  • Steven T. Collis, Chair, Religious Institutions and First Amendment Practice Group, Holland & Hard, Denver, Colorado

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General Session: Religious Freedom at the Supreme Court Now and in the Future

  • Moderator: David M. Kirkham, Senior Fellow for Comparative Law and International Policy, International Center for Law and Religion Studies, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University
  • Hannah Smith, Senior Counsel, Becket Fund
  • Gene C. Schaerr, Partner, Schaerr / Duncanc, and Adjunct Professor, J. Reuben Clark Law Soceity, Brigham Young University

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General Session: Current Developments in Europe

  • Moderator: Brett G. Scharffs, Director, International Center for Law and Religion Studies, and Francis R. Kirkham Professor of Law, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University
  • David M. Kirkham, Senior Fellow for Comparative Law and International Policy, International Center for Law and Religion Studies, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University
  • Michael L. Jensen, Area Legal Counsel, Office of General Counsel, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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Closing Remarks

  • W. Cole Durham, Jr., Susa Young Gates University Professor of Law, Brigham Young University; Founding Director, International Center for Law and Religion Studies

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