2023 Religious Freedom Annual Review

Introduction

The International Center for Law and Religion Studies (ICLRS) hosted the 9th annual religious freedom review at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo. This conference is to provide up-to-date information on the status of laws affecting religious freedom in the United States. The conference is open to the public. The speakers and panelists all have extensive backgrounds dealing with religion and religious freedom.

Student Reflections

The Religious Freedom Annual Review Conference left a lasting impression on students, sparking personal growth, academic ambition, and a deepened commitment to advocacy. Valerie Agustin described it as "an enriching journey" that inspired her to support marginalized communities and explore further research collaborations. Fahina Lauti echoed this transformative impact, stating that the conference "ignited a fervent commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding," especially through exposure to powerful voices like Uzma Jafri and Sharon Eubank. Andrea George reflected on how the conference “deepened my understanding of the vital role of religious freedom in societal progress,” while affirming her resolve to pursue graduate education despite challenges. Meanwhile, John Zenger found both academic and personal resonance in sessions on podcasting and the First Amendment, noting, “The conference catalyzed both academic growth and personal connections.”

The spirit of connection and action was a common theme throughout the student reflections. Abish Torio shared how "the spirit of action that permeated the event" led to valuable collaborations and real-time problem-solving, reinforcing community bonds. Gavin Cranney emphasized the professional development aspects, stating the conference “reignited enthusiasm for further education and professional growth” while offering critical exposure to event management and intercultural collaboration. For many, including Valerie and Fahina, the opportunity to meet leaders like Judge Thomas Griffith and Adela Cojab further solidified aspirations to serve in law, public policy, and human rights. As Andrea concluded, the experience sparked “a passion within me to foster understanding, promote inclusivity, and work toward a society where religious diversity is celebrated and safeguarded.”

Summary Highlights

The Religious Freedom Annual Review brought to light the important role religious organizations play in humanitarian work, legal advocacy, and building stronger communities. Throughout the conference, speakers shared how faith-based efforts are tackling real-world challenges like poverty, violence, and workplace discrimination, often through collaboration across different religious traditions. A panel on religious engagement highlighted specific contributions such as disaster relief, legal protections, and tools like the JustServe app, showing the many ways faith communities are making a difference. Other sessions took a closer look at current legal developments, including Supreme Court rulings and the Respect for Marriage Act, while discussions on podcasting and revitalizing religious institutions explored how faith can stay relevant in a changing world. The event wrapped up with a clear message: protecting religious freedom requires active participation through education, community involvement, and a shared commitment to justice and inclusion.