Introduction
The JRCLS Religious Liberty Fellowship educates law students and recent grads on the basics of religious liberty, equips them with religious liberty advocacy skills and practical know-how, and prepares them to implement changes in their local communities.
This year, speakers dwell on issues and initiatives related to religious liberty. Ben Fleshman discussed the Free Exercise Clause and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and explained it through different Supreme Court cases, how the judges ruled, and for what reasons. Besides that, the discussion delved into the intriguing subject of various scrutiny tests and their impact on the judicial decision-making process. In addition, Paul Lambert shared the importance of businesses in addressing faith and belief in the workplace. Some are the initiatives made by companies and principles surrounding inclusivity.
Student Reflections
The J. Reuben Clark Law Society Religious Liberty Fellowship in Washington D.C. was more than just a conference. It was a turning point for two of our students, giving them a deeper sense of purpose and direction. Gavin Cranney shared, “The opportunity to be at Becket and interact with leading attorneys, scholars, and students in religious liberty law gave me confidence that I am on the right path.” Beyond the formal sessions, it was the personal moments like walking through the National Mall or chatting with organizer Tanner Bean that left a lasting impression. “Those conversations helped me see what it means to be a compassionate and just advocate,” he said. Gavin returned home with a renewed drive to make a difference, working on a new religious liberty conference in Atlanta and teaming up with classmates to honor sacred Hawaiian sites in Lā‘ie.
For Valerie Joy Agustin, the fellowship brought clarity and inspiration. “As an international student, I saw just how important religious freedom is, not just here, but in my home country, the Philippines too,” she said. Learning from legal professionals like Kayla Toney helped her understand that religious liberty cases carry the same weight as criminal law. Valerie found the hypothetical exercises and presentations especially valuable, saying, “They gave me space to share my ideas, grow my confidence, and connect with people who really care.” One of the most meaningful moments came from a mentorship conversation with a Harvard law student who encouraged her to keep going. Inspired and energized, Valerie left the experience ready to start new projects and raise awareness about religious freedom in her own community.
Highlights
Ben Fleshman, Counsel at Becket, discussed the Free Exercise Clause and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), explaining key Supreme Court cases such as Sherbert v. Verner (1963) and Gonzalez v. O Centro Espirita Beneficente Uniao do Vegetal (2006). In Sherbert, a Seventh-Day Adventist employee was denied benefits after being fired for refusing to work on Saturdays due to her religious observances. The Court applied strict scrutiny in favor of Sherbert, setting a precedent for religious freedom cases. In Gonzalez, the Court considered the applicability of RFRA when the government sought to restrict the shipment of hoasca for a religious ceremony, emphasizing that strict scrutiny requires courts to assess not only government interests but also the potential impact on religious practices. Fleshman highlighted the role of strict scrutiny in balancing governmental interests with the protection of religious liberty.
Paul Lambert, Director of the Wheatley Institute Religion Initiative, explored the role of religious pluralism in the workplace. He noted that companies increasingly recognize the importance of supporting not only the physical and mental health of employees but also their spiritual well-being. Companies like Dell, Google, SAP, and Qualtrics have implemented initiatives to promote inclusivity and create a sense of belonging. Lambert emphasized that fostering an environment where faith and belief are respected leads to positive outcomes for organizations and individuals alike. He advised consulting with Human Resources to effectively convey these values and integrate them into workplace culture. Lambert concluded by stressing the importance of valuing employees for who they are, including their faith and beliefs.
Conference Dates
October 6-7, 2023
Location
Washington, D.C
Participants
Gavin Cranney
Valerie Joy Agustin
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