Field Makers: Celebrating the First Twenty Years

International Center for Law and Religion Studies

2019 ANNUAL REPORT DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM FOR ALL MISSION STATEMENT CONTENTS Anniversaries provide us with a ready reason to reflect upon the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human It is the mission of the International where we’ve been, where we are, and, perhaps most import- Rights. This initiative has generated seeds for a half-dozen Center for Law and Religion Studies The International Center for ant, where we’re going. They also provide an opportunity for other projects, including several books. Human dignity has Law and Religion Studies 2 us to express gratitude to those who have helped us along the also been highlighted in numerous conferences and events at Brigham Young University to help way and those who continue to walk by our side as we seek around the world in 2019 and has resulted in regional joint- to do our small part in helping bring the blessings of freedom voice declarations on human dignity, including one repro- secure the blessings of freedom of of thought, conscience, religion, and belief to all people in all duced in this report—African Perspectives on Human Dignity religion and belief for all people by Law and Religion Symposium 6 places. for Everyone Everywhere—which was developed and written at the annual ACLARS meeting in Gaborone, Botswana. OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY EXPANDING, DEEPENING, AND DISSEMINATING January 1, 2020, marks the 20th anniversary of the founding REGIONAL CONFERENCES KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE REGARDING THE Religious Freedom Annual Review 8 of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies, We’re proud of the development over the past two decades of INTERRELATIONSHIP OF LAW AND RELIGION and we are celebrating with the theme “Field Makers.” When regional conferences in 8 to 10 areas of the world each year— the Center was launched, the global field of law and religion usually with the Center as one of many partners—that help studies was in its infancy, but in the last 20 years it has come identify and nurture networks of scholars interested in law FACILITATING THE GROWTH OF NETWORKS Regional Conferences 16 into its own. This annual report looks back at some of the and religion from various parts of the world. OF SCHOLARS, EXPERTS, AND POLICY MAKERS milestones along the way in the development of the Center OXFORD YOUNG SCHOLARS PROGRAM ON RELIGION AND INVOLVED IN THE FIELD OF RELIGION AND LAW and its work. THE RULE OF LAW Students 34 ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM The Oxford Young Scholars program is proving to be won- I hope you’ll find the discussions of the impact of the Annual derfully generative. Not only is it developing and promoting CONTRIBUTING TO LAW REFORM PROCESSES Law and Religion Symposium especially meaningful. We dynamic global networks of young scholars interested in law AND BROADER IMPLEMENTATION OF PRINCIPLES believe it has become the premier global annual event in the and religion, but it is also becoming a platform for additional OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM WORLDWIDE International Advisory Council 38 field of law and religion, bringing together scholars, religious workshops and conferences that are providing a launching leaders, political leaders, and judges to discuss pressing and pad for projects such as books and articles. topical issues that lie at the intersection of law and religion. THANK YOU! One thing that will be abundantly clear as you thumb Academic Advisory Board, RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ANNUAL REVIEW Fellows, and Staff 42 The Religious Freedom Annual Review, which focuses on through these pages is that we cannot undertake the volume law and religion issues in the United States, seeks to build and variety of the work we do without the partnership of bridges of communication and understanding between many. This report reflecting on our first 20 years is dedi- disparate groups and with rising generations and is open to cated to all who have been a part of this journey with us the general public. Elder Patrick Kearon’s keynote address is and to all who continue by our side as we push forward into reproduced in this report. He emphasizes the importance of a future that in many ways seems fraught with challenges defending the rights of freedom of thought, conscience, and and even dangers, but also a future characterized by many belief for all people. opportunities.

HUMAN DIGNITY FOR EVERYONE EVERYWHERE The global human dignity initiative resulted in the Punta del Este Declaration on Human Dignity for Everyone Every- where, adopted in December 2018 in commemoration of Brett G. Scharffs Now called the Annual International Law and Religion Sym- and regional advisor for Latin America. David Kirkham (BYU posium, the event has become the Center’s hallmark endeavor JD, GWU PhD) came on board in 2007 as senior fellow for com- The International Center for at home. It draws from continually expanding national and parative law and international policy and advisor for Europe. international networks of colleagues and friends with whom He had most recently been associate dean and professor of Law and Religion Studies the Center helps organize or sponsor 20 to 30 other confer- international politics and democratic studies at the George C. ences worldwide each year. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Germany. After the start of the symposium, as faculty advisor of the Fluent in French, Kirkham edited Center publications and Freedom of Religion or Belief for All BYU Law Review, Durham saw incomparable potential to bring helped build the Center’s Strasbourg Consortium website, together the skill set developed while working on the law review which has become a leading resource tracking developments with the experience many BYU Law students had developed in religion and law in the European Court of Human Rights. learning languages and cultures while serving as missionaries Even before the doors of the Center officially opened in for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Durham 2000, Deborah Wright, executive assistant and Center coor- himself had learned German that way.) As a result, soon after dinator, was keeping everything together. From 2003 to 2010, the symposium, papers were published in the BYU Law Review BYU Law graduate Christine Scott served as the Center’s first on law and religion in more than 15 different countries. director of publications. She was succeeded in this role by Dozens of students have been involved in Center activities Donlu Thayer (BYU JD), a longtime editor and writing teacher during the years since it was formed. Notably, two student BYU who eventually became the Center’s managing editor. Thayer Law Review editors in chief subsequently returned to work in assisted Kirkham with the early development of the Strasbourg professional roles at the Center: Czech- and Russian-speaking Consortium website. She took on a range of other responsibili- Elizabeth Clark, who was the first associate director of the ties critical to the Center’s publication efforts and to the devel- Center, and Spanish-speaking Robert Smith, who served for opment of the Center’s international web presence. She devel- many years as the Center’s managing director. oped the Center’s Headlines news aggregator, which is relied on by law and religion experts and officials around the world. She has also played a critical role in building the Oxford Journal The Development of the Center of Law and Religion, which Professor Durham helped to found. Early on, Smith, Holly Rassmussen, and a team of students Formally launched within the BYU Law School on January 1, began serious work on the Center’s websites. They were joined 2000, with Durham as director, the International Center for N OCTOBER 1989 a Harvard-educated law professor teach- The Start of the Annual Symposium in 2010 by Marshall Morrise and later by Hayden Rowberry, Law and Religion Studies proclaims a mission to “secure the ing in Provo, Utah, was elected to a position that to Amer- who have been critical to the development of the sites and to I blessings of religious liberty for all people everywhere.” Eliza- ican ears would sound unprepossessing: secretary of the Throughout the 1980s, Durham joined with colleagues at the posting and sending systems for Headlines. Suzanne Sitti- beth Clark (BYU JD) became associate director and focused on American Association of Comparative Law. Only weeks later, Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School and chai Disparte played an important role in pulling together the Eastern Europe, the Baltics, Russia, and Central Asia. Durham’s however, W. Cole Durham, Jr. would find himself amidst a piv- other institutions in the United States and Europe to orga- first edition of the casebook—Law and Religion: National, Inter- law school colleague Brett G. Scharffs (Georgetown MA, Yale otal moment in Western history and in places where “secre- nize comparative law conferences for sharing ideas, creat- national, and Comparative Perspectives—coauthored by Durham JD) also joined as an associate director. A Rhodes Scholar and tary” meant the person in charge. ing networks, and generating publications. One of Professor and Scharffs. It has been translated into a dozen languages. A Japanese speaker, Scharffs had broad interests and began to In the months prior to the collapse of the Berlin Wall, Durham’s collaborators during this period—a creator of an second edition, shepherded by Thayer, was released in January create programs in Asia and at Oxford. Durham recognized the magnitude of the changes that such an international center for nonprofit law—suggested focusing 2019. Holly Hinckley Lesan (BYU JD) is assisting with the third Named the Center’s first managing director, attorney- event would entail. Over the next few months he opened cor- one of the comparative law conferences on the religious sec- edition. historian Gary B. Doxey (BYU JD, Cambridge PhD) had just respondence with and arranged visits to the major capitals of tor. This suggestion resulted in the International Church-State concluded service as general counsel and chief of staff to two Central and Eastern Europe. This led to him traveling with his Symposium of 1994, the first of what has since grown into a succeeding Utah governors. In 2006, Doxey left for three years son in Berlin on the day the German government began total quarter-century tradition of such symposia at BYU. of service for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints demolition of the wall. His secretary title helped open doors in Mexico, and Robert Smith (BYU JD) replaced him as manag- to government officials and legal academia. In the following ing director until his own full-time Church service began in years of intense rebuilding of legal codes, this title enabled him 2016 in Argentina. Doxey and Smith shared not only fluency in to assist with law reform and constitution making throughout Spanish and connections in Latin America but a strong interest the region. In the process, he formed friendships and made in the Center’s growing initiatives in Africa. Smith also played connections that would help build organizations dedicated a vital role in expanding and systematizing a four-volume trea- to increasing understanding of the interrelationship between tise called Religious Organizations and the Law, which is the lead- religion and the rule of law and lead to the support of freedom ing work on this topic in the United States. of religion or belief in every part of the world. Attorney Scott Isaacson, also a former BYU Law Review edi- tor (BYU JD), was another instrumental person in the genesis of the Center. He has served since the beginning as senior fellow

2 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 3 The Center staff continued to expand in 2015 when Sandy most effective when they are supported by broad coalitions Stephenson joined as a conference coordinator and liaison and credible partnerships. Many of the Center’s projects in with the International Advisory Council and Blythe Shupe Asia, for example, would not have gone forward without close came on board as communications specialist. Sharman Blood working relations with the Institute of Global Engagement. and Sherie Rogde have added strength to event planning and Sometimes such joint action takes the form of serving in insti- management. And Jane Wise, David Moore, and Paul Kerry tutional capacities, such as Durham serving for 16 years as a have made important contributions as associate directors. member of the Advisory Council on Freedom of Religion or Belief for the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in The Impact of Key Partnerships Europe (OSCE). Since 1994 Durham has been a recurring visit- ing professor of law at Central European University; in 2007 Crucial to the strength and ongoing work of the Center has Scharffs joined him there. been the work of the International Advisory Council, first These relationships have been remarkably fruitful and headed by Ralph Hardy, followed by Duane Madsen and then enriching. Dave Christensen, and currently by David Colton. These indi- viduals have had an early grasp of the vision of the Center and have held key advisory roles both for the substantive growth An Ever-Expanding Endeavor of the Center and for helping to place the Center on a firm financial footing. A growing number of Religion and the Rule of Law Certificate Important to the Center’s credibility has been its Aca- Training Programs in Asia and Africa culminated in the sum- demic Advisory Board. Designated as fellows of the Center, mer of 2018 in the first Young Scholars Fellowship on Religion these leading global experts on law and religion from around and the Rule of Law. This training will continue to be held the world have contributed in important ways. Over the years annually in Oxford for international scholars. a number of distinguished attorneys, jurists, academics, and A pinnacle endeavor as the Center has approached its 20th other leaders in the field of law and religion have served the anniversary has been the Center’s participation in the Human Center as fellows. Dignity Initiative, with conferences in preparation for the The conferences and scholarly contacts have opened oppor- final drafting and signing of the Punta del Este Declaration on tunities for law reform and constitution-building activities in Human Dignity for Everyone Everywhere in December 2018. more than 50 countries worldwide and for partnering with This document has been followed by an expanding number of and helping establish sister organizations—including the Latin related conferences that have helped carry the insights of this American Consortium for Religious Liberty, the International important document to venues around the world. Consortium for Law and Religion Studies (ICLARS-Milan), the Those who have had the opportunity of working at and African Consortium for Law and Religion Studies (ACLARS), the supporting the Center share a deep sense of appreciation for G20 Interfaith Forum, and the Southeast Asia Consortium for the innumerable hands, hearts, and minds that have carried Religion and Law Studies (SACRALS). our work forward. There has been an extraordinary sense The Center’s success has been built on the realization that of camaraderie, commitment, and consecration. Beyond the when it comes to law and religion issues, reform efforts are minutia of email, meetings, conferences, flights, and publica- tions, we have experienced in some measure the high adven- ture of working to advance and to witness the unfolding of one of the most fundamental principles of human existence: the freedom of religion.

fter 36 years of teaching at BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law Durham continues to travel, write, and speak on behalf of the ASchool, W. Cole Durham, Jr., founding director of the Center. The Center is indebted to his pathbreaking efforts in International Center for Law and Religion Studies, retired promoting religious freedom and building the field of compar- from teaching in 2019. He has built a legacy not only with the ative law and religion across the globe through scholarship, hundreds of students he has taught in courses ranging from conferences, law-reform efforts, and educational initiatives. criminal law to contemporary legal theory but also through His pioneering vision and efforts to nurture and support the decades of cutting-edge scholarship in comparative consti- developing field of law and religion have become the bedrock tutional law and church-state relations and through his qui- of all the Center stands for today. etly effective work on law-reform projects around the world.

4 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 5 26TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL LAW AND RELIGION SYMPOSIUM

Human Dignity and Freedom of Religion or Belief Preventing and Responding to Persecution

6–8 OCTOBER | PROVO, UTAH

he Center’s signature conference, the Annual Interna- for Human Rights. Many others spoke on panels or in plena- Ttional Law and Religion Symposium, has been convening ries, often from the perspective of their home countries. since before the birth of the Center. The 2019 symposium Among the sessions was a series of panels looking at the was the 26th conference and the largest to date. Approxi- role of the judiciary in preventing persecution and ensuring mately 100 delegates from more than 50 countries gathered accountability. The International Association for Religion at Brigham Young University in Provo with the goal of better Journalists contributed to two panels on media perspectives understanding the dynamics of persecution and discussing and responsibility. what various national and global players can do to prevent In the closing session, symposium chair and Center asso- and respond to persecution. ciate director Elizabeth Clark commented on the program’s The focus on human dignity has been part of most of the cover photo, in which a woman is seated in a chair with her Center’s events in 2019, continuing the theme that began in back toward the camera so her face is not visible. Attributed 2018 and that resulted in the 2018 Punta del Este Declaration to Their Story Is Our Story (TSOS), it is a powerful image of on Human Dignity for Everyone Everywhere. persecution because it depersonalizes the woman, making Three keynote speakers shared their insights on prevent- it easier to ignore her. The hope of the conference is that ing and responding to persecution: Lord David Alton, Rt. Hon delegates will better see others, said Professor Clark, and “see Professor the Lord Alton of Liverpool; Bishop Efraim Ten- their challenges, especially when not from our own religious dero, secretary-general of the World Evangelical Alliance and tradition, class, social status, or culture. . . . That is what incoming co-president of Religions for Peace; and Fernand human dignity is—to see every human individual around us de Varennes, United Nations special rapporteur on minority and their value.” issues in the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner

6 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 7 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ANNUAL REVIEW

I think the crux of the conversation that we’re This is such an important conversation to have, and having here today is really rooted in this idea of I’m so encouraged to see so many speakers from perception, recognizing that how we see others different faith groups and faith backgrounds coming isn’t necessarily indicative of who it is that they together to have a conversation in depth in a civil are. But how we see others tells us a lot about way that’s really important. . . . Part of having ourselves.” conversations between people who are sometimes at odds . . . is being able to address some of the touchy —Khalid Latif, Executive Director and Imam (Chaplain), subjects with grace and aspiration.” Religious Freedom for a “Islamic Center at New York University “ New Generation —Justin Giboney, Co-founder and President, AND Campaign

19–20 JUNE | PROVO, UTAH

Tolerance Means Dialogues scholarship essay winners Cicily Bennion and Alexis Watson with dialogue catalysts Robin Fretwell Wilson and Shannon Minter. he 2019 Religious Freedom Annual Review welcomed solutions to problems at the intersection of faith, sexuality, T500 people, including 79 presenters, to Brigham Young and families. Scholarships were awarded to Cicily Bennion, a University. Of the theme, associate director Elizabeth Clark graduate student at BYU, and Alexis Watson, an undergraduate said: “This year we have the opportunity to hear from leading student at BYU, for their winning essays. They both read their American thinkers on questions of religion, culture, law, and essays during a special panel. social change. Millennials and Gen Z are much more reli- The Annual Review added two special tracks this year. giously diverse than their preceding generations and face new The first, Religious Freedom and Higher Education, included and challenging issues. . . . We may not all agree on every- subthemes of reaching out to an increasingly diverse and thing, or indeed may sometimes agree on very little, but we pluralistic generation; making the case for religious schools remain convinced that listening with empathy to those we in a diverse society; and finding common ground between may disagree with is a crucial basis for fostering constructive religious universities and LGBTQ student-athletes. The second civic engagement.” track, Voices of a New Generation, included subthemes The Annual Review included an essay contest sponsored of religious freedom and how it affects race, LGBTQ rights, by Tolerance Means Dialogues. The topic of “What Toler- women, and cultures. ance Means to Me” gave participants opportunities to offer

8 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 9 Of Rights and Responsibilities: The Social Ecosystem of Religious Freedom

By Elder Patrick Kearon, General Authority Seventy, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS WAS DELIVERED AT THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ANNUAL REVIEW AT BYU J. REUBEN CLARK LAW SCHOOL ON JUNE 19, 2019.

he subject of religious freedom con- both served in the British Armed Forces lens of that experience. After a decade Ttinues to raise new questions. We in World War II—my father in the Royal or two, they observed the next gener- have come to learn a little more from Air Force and my mother in the British ation, which had not been where they many of the most able minds and will- Army as a nurse. Between them they had been nor confronted what they had ing hearts in the field. If we listen to served across Europe, North Africa, seen. These young people became con- each other carefully, we will be better India, and Burma. They fought for cerned with what in many cases the equipped to meet the challenges and their neighbors, they fought in defense wartime generation regarded as lesser opportunities of today and tomorrow. of their homeland, and they certainly things. The cohesion that had come Most of us drink from the waters of fought for religious freedom, but I don’t from shared hardship borne of an exis- religious freedom without even know- suppose that was a phrase they would tential threat began to wear off. I was a ing it. We think of them as a river that have used at the time. With so many child through part of this period. “Influencing society will always flow. But we might not rec- others, they warded off the tyranny of The protests of the 1960s found their always seems to be the ognize the risks to the tributaries that Nazism. So many freedoms were on the way onto our television screens. What feed that river. line, and that generation gave everything the protests exhibited in raw emotional job of someone else. The perpetuation of religious liberty they had in their defense. Vast swaths power, they often lacked in sustained . . . But . . . there is no requires that it be understood and val- of Europe were overrun, with massive social commitment. These actions ued by the rising generations. There is casualties. Whole nations were subju- ranged from bus boycotts to opposition someone else; there is a need for them to comprehend what gated by tyrants whose aim was to not of the Vietnam War to campus protests only us.” religious freedom brings to society and only conquer and suppress freedoms, over student fees. They were all motivated what is lost when this liberty is eroded. including religious freedom, but wipe by worthy purposes, but these purposes When young people come to understand out and destroy people of particular were limited on their own without the why this freedom is crucial to their own ethnic backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs. continuous obligations borne of shared aspirations, welfare, and happiness, they The generation that confronted these vision and purpose. Of course protest is will feel inspired to act to strengthen and demonic threats did so with phenomenal a vital function in a democracy, and free preserve religious freedom. courage. It took a society that possessed people are free because they are able to a highly developed social solidarity and challenge the status quo and those they mutual accountability to bring about such have elected. But during those years, the Community and Commitment a moral achievement. youth of Britain sometimes appeared After six unspeakably harrowing to protest for its own sake. My parents To better understand the freedoms we years, the war was won. In the ensu- lamented the shift toward a mindset of now enjoy, we can look to history. My ing years, those who had experienced rights with no apparent regard for or ref- parents came from what you in the United this conflict saw society through the erence to responsibilities. The two must States call the Greatest Generation. They

10 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 11 work together; passion and duty must were displaced. Hatred and terror drove bers and inherited culture, the United Though these inalienable rights come connect. And that concept is what I would these people from their homes. States has a Christian majority, but unless from above, they still have to be culti- like to address—our rights and the respon- The world needs places of refuge it honors the lawful practices of Hindus, vated by human beings below. It is up Religious freedom means nothing sibilities associated with those rights. from such extremism. Where liberty Sikhs, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Native to us—it is the responsibility associated Today it might appear to some that thrives, it flows almost invisibly. We Americans, individuals and groups who with these rights—to implement, protect, if you protect your own religious rights just happen—that they are auto- experience the benefits of it all the time profess no faith at all, and everyone else, and anchor them in our daily lives. matically inherited and perpetuated with- but rarely see how it actually works. it will fail to live up to its own ideals.2 practice while neglecting the out thought or effort. We can forget the Religious liberty acts as the heart of We all need to be consistent in defend- extraordinary struggle, resolve, and sac- society, a key contributor carrying the ing and respecting everyone. And doing so Two Sides of the Religious Freedom practice of others. rifice that went into protecting our abun- lifeblood of all that is good to the whole does not mean you have to diminish your Coin dance. We may rarely think about our community. own beliefs. That is how all our rights Rights and responsibilities can’t be sep- obligations to keep those rights in place. Healthy societies run on trust, confi- will be taken seriously. We can’t pick and The study of religious liberty has doms protected and responsibilities ful- arated without negative consequences. dence, and a sense of safety. With free- choose who gets what rights. Every reli- so many facets and nuances that it can filled in the coming years. The symbiosis between rights and dom of religion and belief, people feel gion is susceptible to the fluctuations of be dizzying. The conversation often responsibilities is often lost in the rush The Heart of Religious Freedom safe in their deepest convictions and prominence and obscurity. The cultural focuses on the law—what it is, what to demand that something be given to us can express and exercise them publicly. group that enjoys privilege today may lose it should be, what it protects, what it A Challenge to Embrace For a time, I lived in a country that did while forgetting to foster the conditions The great enemy of religious freedom it tomorrow, even in nations in which the should protect, how it sets boundaries, not allow the free expression of reli- in which that right can be respected or is estrangement and alienation. When rule of law and democratic principles have and so on. Law is vital and is an essen- Many in the rising generation today are gion. I witnessed how people who dared have meaning. a society or government divides peo- been enshrined for centuries. tial part of a bigger picture. However, concerned about serving those in need, to stray from the official line could be Appropriately exercised, rights and ple based on what they believe, how Having a broad view of religious lib- rights act more like habits than dry making a difference, changing the world, punished. Unfortunately, this continues responsibilities move in a virtuous cir- they think, the words they say, whom erty helps us see that it is universal, not edicts. Law and custom must work and helping their community. They seek today in many nations across the globe. cle. We are more inclined to honor the they worship, or the manner in which just the preservation of those who are together. morality and responsibility, and they Violation of religious freedom is one of rights of people when we know them they worship, common ground is lost powerful or popular. Religious freedom Behind every right, if we look closely understand the language of universality. the main reasons why we see so many personally and feel a sense of responsi- and life together becomes a battle. The is suprapolitical, something that is part enough, stand layers upon layers of Our young people can be jaded by exclu- refugees and displaced people today. bility for their well-being. Meaning in test of a pluralistic society is to achieve of our nature before politics declares social practices that regulate innumerable sion, inconsistent application of laws, Religious difference becomes religious life comes from giving yourself to oth- unity without diminishing the diversity it to be so. Every person, regardless human interactions in societies, families, and the entrenched interests of a few to alienation, alienation turns into persecu- ers, not demanding that others give to within it. of religion, race, gender, orientation, marriages, friendships, and all human the detriment of many. They are attuned tion, and persecution turns into conflict, you. Author and commentator David Religious freedom means nothing if or nationality, possesses fundamental relationships. They are called norms, and to the authentic. They are outward look- war, and mass flight. These crises hap- Brooks has written that joy comes from you protect your own religious practice rights simply by being human. These they require innumerable transactions of ing and deeply sensitive to treating peo- pen when freedoms, including religious commitment: while neglecting the practice of others, rights include the right to life, liberty, give-and-take. The demands we make of ple fairly and equally. Their yearning to freedom and freedom of conscience, especially those who might be less secure security, equal protection of the law, and the law only make sense when embedded serve is deep. All of this is wonderful are not protected. Regimes target those or unable to defend themselves. It only freedom of thought, speech, and reli- in a web of countless norms that make and promising! who believe differently; they force them works if you protect the rights of every- gion, as well as protection from political In reality, the people who live best tie our society possible. We need to keep But on the whole, the religiosity from their homes and uproot them in one. As Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a extremism. But we all must remember, themselves down. They don’t ask: What finding ways to align what we demand of young people is shifting. They are terrifying ways. member of the Quorum of the Twelve be taught, and pass on the responsibili- cool thing can I do next? They ask: What with what we can contribute to our much less inclined to identify with a In 2015 and 2016, from one end of Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ ties that come with these rights. is my responsibility here? They respond families, workplaces, neighborhoods, particular religion,5 let alone attend Europe to the other, I saw firsthand as of Latter-day Saints, has said, religious Rights are inscribed in laws, consti- to some problem or get called out of them- churches, schools, and communities. church. They can see religion as stifling countless ordinary people were driven freedom is important precisely because tutions, and charters the world over, selves by a deep love. Understanding and appreciation of their values of inclusion and tolerance. from their homes and lands farther to it gives everyone—religious or not—the but they were first imprinted in the By planting themselves in one neighbor- religious freedom will need to move But it touches not only the youth; the the east across countries and continents “space to determine for ourselves what human heart by a loving God. One of hood, one organization or one mission, from the exclusive realm of specialists to trend toward a secularized public life in search of safety and refuge. Often 1 we think and believe.” In terms of num- the founders of this nation, Alexander they earn trust. They have the freedom to a much broader audience. It will need to affects all ages. One of the results is that their beliefs were a factor in why they Hamilton, wrote: make a lasting difference. It’s the chains include those who don’t grasp the intri- our culture is fragmenting into cultural we choose that set us free.4 cacies of the law nor have the capacity to and ideological tribes. influence the law in conventional ways. President Gordon B. Hinckley, for- The sacred rights of mankind are not to Though these inalienable To do this we will need to reframe mer president of The Church of Jesus be rummaged for, among old parchments, Important work in religious freedom our own understanding of and more Christ of Latter-day Saints, once said, or musty records. They are written, as rights come from above, they is found in walking a mile with your effectively articulate what this freedom “Men everywhere seem to be groping as with a sun beam, in the whole volume brother and sister, listening to a stranger means and the responsibility it brings. in darkness, casting aside the traditions of human nature, by the hand of the still have to be cultivated by talk about their religious experience, We have a particular obligation to carry that were the strength of our society yet divinity itself; and can never be erased or 6 and employing the gentle efforts of dia- this knowledge to a younger audience unable to find a new star to guide them.” obscured by mortal power.3 human beings below. logue and persuasion. who will be charged to see these free- Peter Beinart, a writer and political

12 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 13 science professor at City University taught His followers to be “the light a tortured relationship with the idea of freedom, along with every other inalien- The way we all as human beings As human beings and the children of of New York, has seen a connection of the world” (Matthew 5:14) and “the telling people about these good works. able right. I am so grateful that you have form our deepest beliefs is perhaps divine creation, we all want to live by a between decreasing religious activity salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). Let As a church, we are torn between hav- gathered in this way to address just that. life’s greatest journey of discovery. The moral vision and share it with others. In and increasing political conflict. He your light shine, He said, as a city on a ing these efforts be private and letting We have a responsibility to help and, freedom in which we do so is precious. doing this, we enter the realm of both recently wrote: hill (see Matthew 5:14–16). Salt was an our light shine in a way that will create as God told the prophet Jeremiah, “seek Our ability to practice and share those religion and politics. This can be messy ancient symbol of friendship and gen- awareness that we take our responsi- the welfare of the city where I have sent beliefs as we learn of and come to under- and contentious, but we have reason to erosity. And like salt, we have a duty to bility of contributing to society very you into exile, and pray to the Lord on stand the beliefs of others enriches us all, be optimistic. As Martin Luther King Jr. Maybe religion builds habits and savor person-to-person connections and seriously. We will probably need to talk its behalf, for in its welfare you will find broadens our view, and creates harmony. was so fond of saying, drawing from networks that help people better weather nurture amity between adversaries. We more openly about these contributions, your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7, English A climate in which we are free to believe the abolitionist Theodore Parker, “The national traumas, and thus retain their must not cloister ourselves with others letting people know that at the heart of Standard Version). and practice is also a climate in which arc of the moral universe is long, but it faith that the system works. For whatever who think like us and congregations that our faith is the desire to help our fellow we can contribute. Religious freedom bends toward justice.”10 reason, secularization isn’t easing politi- believe like us. Jesus demonstrated how human beings—wherever they are and demands both the universal right and the We are in that arc, and God expects cal conflict. It’s making American politics to lift society, moving deliberately to the regardless of whether they are people of Conclusion universal responsibility. It is our turn to us to do our part in nudging it toward 7 even more convulsive and zero-sum. despised, the diseased, and the misun- faith or of no faith at all—and we do so do our part. justice. This is our work. derstood, listening to and healing them. without seeking converts in these most Every society has a foundation of truths, I have been inspired by the goodness trying moments in people’s lives. rules, expectations, and norms that guide their thinking and their actions every We can help fill this void with posi- and selflessness of members of my own We need to help more young people day. Many of us take them for granted tive messages and constructive actions. church who reach out to those in need. see the opportunities the free exercise of Do we fear the world and, like all things, suppose they will sim- There is a need and opportunity for reli- In the course of my service, wherever I religion provides to serve others in need ply always be there for us. Like the air we gious freedom to be framed differently have witnessed those afflicted by fire, and unite communities in ways that ben- more than we shape it? breathe, we hardly notice them until they and to be more clearly understood. flood, or any manner of natural disaster efit all people. And we need to help them or humanitarian crisis, our people have understand that the expression of reli- are challenged. And then we have to look been there. When visiting one such loca- gious belief through community service closely and really get to know them, as if is dependent on religious freedom. With discovering them for the first time. So it Be a Force in the World tion in California, I was asked if I knew what FEMA stood for. As I struggled with this understanding, they will not only is with religious freedom. Do we fear the world more than we “Federal . . . Emergency . . . ,” my friend value religious freedom more deeply but shape it? Do we let our anxieties prevent said, “No, it’s Find Every Mormon Avail- will courageously act to strengthen and us from making a difference? Do we able.” It was said in jest, but more than perpetuate it. Notes spend more time hiding from society’s once the media has reported that the first Influencing society always seems to 1. D. Todd Christofferson, “A Celebra- of-nones; and Becka A. Alper, flaws than fixing its problems? two groups at the scene were the Mor- be the job of someone else—someone tion of Religious Freedom,” inter- “Why America’s ‘Nones’ Don’t How we answer these questions mons and the Latter-day Saints. (This with more power, more money, or more faith address in São Paulo, Brazil, Identify with a Religion,” Pew determines what our social environment reminds us of the uphill task we have to time. Perhaps we expect some program April 29, 2015. Research Center, Fact Tank, looks like. It is always changing, and it be known by our full name.) The point is or sponsor to take the lead. But when 2. See “Religious Landscape Study,” August 8, 2018, pewresearch.org/ improves or deteriorates depending on that our people do go out of their way—a it comes to taking care of people, there 2019, Pew Research Center on Reli- fact-tank/2018/08/08/why-americas- our actions. Society is not something very long way out of their way—to help is no “someone else.” There is only us. gion and Public Life, pewforum.org/ nones-dont-identify-with-a-religion. that just happens to us; it is something in crises the world over. This isn’t only Civic engagement requires people to religious-landscape-study. 6. Gordon B. Hinckley, “First Presi- we help shape. for disaster response and assisting ref- freely act on their beliefs and solve the 3. Alexander Hamilton, The Farmer dency Message: Pursue the Steady The main thing is to engage, dialogue, ugees. These devoted souls are there in problems of their communities. If the Refuted, &c, [February 23,] 1775; Course,” Ensign, January 2005. bridge, and interact with people of all those often invisible, private, and chronic prevailing philanthropic desires of our emphasis in original. 7. Peter Beinart, “Breaking Faith,” sorts. Unless we participate, we lose our situations that can last a lifetime. rising generation are to be harnessed 4. David Brooks, “Five Lies Our Cul- Atlantic, April 2017, 17. ability to both influence the world and And of course it is not just our peo- and maximized, our young people will ture Tells: The Cultural Roots of Our 8. E. M. Forster, Howards End (1910), learn from it. As British novelist E. M. ple. We work alongside representatives need to come to the same conclusion as Political Problems,” New York Times, chapter 22, paragraph 3. Forster put it, “Only connect! . . . Live in of numerous other faiths, often part- have so many of us here today—that this Opinion, April 15, 2019, nytimes. 9. John Donne, Meditation XVII, Devo- 8 fragments no longer.” nering with them in some of the most is the most worthy of causes, a spring com/2019/04/15/opinion/ tions upon Emergent Occasions (1624). We all have a stake in this debate. challenging parts of the world. There that feeds so many others. It represents cultural-revolution-meritocracy. 10. Martin Luther King Jr., “Out of “No man is an island, entire of itself; are certainly those involved in doing our highest and holiest beliefs, and at html. the Long Night,” Gospel Messenger every man is a piece of the continent, a extraordinary work for whom faith is the same time it blesses individuals, fam- 5. See Michael Lipka, “Millennials 107, no. 6 (February 8, 1958): 14; 9 part of the main.” The poet John Donne not a driving force. But these contribu- ilies, communities of all descriptions, Increasingly Are Driving Growth of paraphrasing Theodore Parker, Ten wrote these words nearly 400 years ago, tions with our fellow believers are vast. and entire nations. The task before all ‘Nones,’” Pew Research Center, Fact Sermons of Religion (Boston: Crosby, but they still resonate today. And, important in today’s context, they of us is how to unite these benevolent Tank, May 12, 2015, pewresearch. Nichols, and Company, 1853), 84–85. Contributing to the good of society are often overlooked. Part of that is our desires of the rising generation with the org/fact-tank/2015/05/12/millennials- is part of our spiritual stewardship. Jesus own fault, as we can have something of responsibility of preserving religious increasingly-are-driving-growth-

14 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 15 SURPASSING ALL EXPECTATIONS The Center in Africa

he Center’s work in Africa is The Center’s work with ACLARS has hope will become a beacon of hope also led to numerous other opportuni- and good-faith dialogue. They see it as Tyoung. Ten years ago Cole Durham REGIONAL CONFERENCE had visited Africa only a few times, and ties to address local issues in individual playing an important role in fostering the influence of the Center there was countries, including requests from mutual respect and religious freedom limited. However, in 2011 Kofi Quash- government bodies to share expertise among people of all religious traditions Law, Religion, and igah, then dean of the law school at and help them reform their laws and in their troubled homeland. the University of Ghana, attended the policies. Growth related to the Center’s Environment in Africa annual International Law and Religion Recently the law school dean at a work in Africa is surpassing all expec- Symposium in Provo. Dean Quashigah state university in Northern Nigeria tations. Yet in many ways that work is had met Durham a few years earlier, visited BYU with the president of his just beginning: it is expected to grow 19–22 MAY 2019 and he came to Provo earnestly seeking university. A predominantly Muslim considerably for decades to come as the GABORONE, BOTSWANA to bring the Center’s work to his home region, Northern Nigeria is riven with Center follows its pattern of developing continent. religious violence. These two leaders home-grown experts who carry on the Only a year later, in 2012, following studied the Center and then returned work long after Center staff board the the example established by the Latin home to organize a law and religion plane to travel home. The African Consortium for Law and Religion Stud- American Consortium for Religious studies center of their own, which they ies convened its seventh annual Law and Religion Freedom, the Center helped organize Conference in collaboration with the Department of the African Consortium of Law and Theology and Religious Studies and the Department Religious Studies (ACLARS). ACLARS held its first conference in Ghana that of Law at the University of Botswana and with the year, with Dean Quashigah’s university ICLRS. More than 200 participants attended. At the acting as host. The conference drew end of the conference, participants contributed to scholars from all over the continent. Now in its eighth year, the annual a document titled “African Perspectives on Human ACLARS conference has become the Dignity for Everyone Everywhere” that endorsed most important and influential event of and elaborated upon the Punta del Este Declaration its kind in Africa. Each year it attracts more than several hundred applicants on Human Dignity for Everyone Everywhere, com- who hope to be included on the con- memorating the 70th anniversary of the Universal ference program, and the quality of the Declaration of Human Rights. participants’ expertise is improving.

16 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 17 Human Dignity in Africa An Introduction

The human dignity initiative is, like the concept itself, note- THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT WAS DRAFTED AND WELCOMED BY DELEGATES AND worthy for being generative and uplifting. In May 2019 the PARTICIPANTS AT ACLARS’ SEVENTH ANNUAL LAW AND RELIGION CONFERENCE African Consortium for Law and Religion Studies (ACLARS) IN AFRICA. regional conference in Botswana included breakout sessions in which more than 40 conference participants shared ideas about how human dignity is viewed in Africa. Many of these insights correlated with global thinking about human dignity, cal understanding of human dignity. Part of our human dignity but there were a number of ways that the African perspec- African conceptions of human dignity is recognizing and respecting the dignity of others. An Afri- tives were notably different than those in other parts of the can perspective on dignity is outward looking, not just inward world. 1 reflecting. Out of these conversations emerged a document, “African Human dignity is a foundational societal, religious, cultural, African Perspectives on Human Dignity for For example, in Southern Africa the Nguni Bantu concept Perspectives on Human Dignity for Everyone Everywhere.” and legal concept in Africa. There is no one single African of ubuntu (in isiXhosa; botho in Setswana) and in Eastern Africa Several aspects of this document are remarkable. Everyone Everywhere: An Endorsement and concept of dignity but rather many different and often com- the Kiswahili concept of utu are closely related to human dig- First, it is noteworthy for embracing of explicitly religious Elaboration of the Punta del Este Declaration plementary conceptions. Dignity is a concept that has wide- nity and clearly involve a relational character of human lives perspectives, as human dignity in Africa is infused with reli- on Dignity for Everyone Everywhere spread purchase in African cultures, religions, and languages. existing in connection and community with others. In some gious concepts from Christianity, Islam, and traditional Afri- As with many concepts, there is in Africa an ongoing con- African cultures such as Botswana, the concept of totems is can religions. This is not to say that human dignity is limited to testation or negotiation about the meaning of human dig- closely related to the idea of familial ties, which extend broadly, being a religious concept, but religion informs thinking about nity. Nevertheless, there are African characteristics of the creating connections with others. African thinking about dig- human dignity in a way that is pervasive. By the African Consortium for Law and Religion concept that are widespread and widely shared. For exam- nity necessarily includes the idea of equality; a concern for dig- Second, is it focused on community and others. Finding Studies at the Seventh Annual Conference on Law ple, Sir Seretse Khama, the first president of the Republic of nity is a concern for the equal dignity of all. expression in the South African concept of ubuntu, as well as and Religion in Africa Botswana, said, “Human dignity, like justice and freedom, is The meaning of dignity is taught first of all in the home many variations, is the idea that our full humanity is realized the common heritage of all men.” The legacy of South African by parents and grandparents and should then be reinforced by in relation with others. Thus human dignity is not so much 19–21 May 2019 | Gaborone, Botswana president Nelson Mandela is also as a champion of human primary and secondary education and through societal institu- a natural or inherent characteristic of the individual as it is a dignity and freedom. As US president Bill Clinton said upon tions such as mosques and churches. social reality that emerges from healthy human relationships. the passing of Nelson Mandela, “History will remember Nel- son Mandela as a champion for human dignity and freedom, In some African countries, including Zimbabwe, the idea Dignity is deeply connected with how we treat others and how Whereas the Seventh Annual Conference on Law and Reli- for peace and reconciliation.” We reiterate the Punta del Este of dignity is closely associated with the idea of solidarity. This we interact with them. gion in Africa of the African Consortium for Law and Religion Declaration’s emphasis that human rights are interdependent, communal ideal of unity and sharing confirms a communal Third, it is rooted in elemental real-life concerns, such as a Studies (ACLARS) was held in Gaborone, Botswana, on 19–21 universal, indivisible, and interrelated, and each one is criti- dimension to human dignity. man having the ability to earn a respectable living and afford to May 2019, with the conference theme “Law, Religion, and cal for achieving human dignity. marry and take care of a spouse and children, taking his place Environment in Africa”; as a dignified and valued member of society. This focus on the real material dimensions of dignity is a valuable counterpart to Whereas the conference participants wish to add their col- An indigenous concept Western discussions of dignity that are often highly abstract lective voices to the commemoration of the 70th anniversary Relationships and community and conceptual. of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by endorsing This document demonstrates the very real prospect that and elaborating upon the Punta del Este Declaration on Human 3 While human rights is a concept that can be difficult to trans- our civilizational perspectives on human dignity are likely to Dignity for Everyone Everywhere; 2 late into some African languages, the concept of human dignity vary from one part of the world to another. Yet the concept Africans think of dignity not solely as an individual human characteristic or right but as a concept that implicates our most is much easier to integrate linguistically. Rights are claims of of human dignity is enriched and deepened when we listen Whereas there are many unique and characteristic under- important relationships, including family, community, tribe, what someone owes us, whereas dignity is something that is carefully to the conceptions of dignity held by others, espe- standings of human dignity that arise from African perspec- and nation. Human dignity is a concept that is understood as inherent in the human person. For example, in the Yorùbá lan- cially those from far places and with traditions that are differ- tives, and it is our hope that these perspectives can enhance existing in relationships with others. As such, dignity impli- guage, rights (eto) are assertions of a claim of something owed ent from our own. and enrich the global and universal appreciation of human dig- cates understandings of human duties and relationships, not to you, whereas dignity (iyi) lies at the foundation of rights. nity as the foundational principle of human rights; just individual claims against others. There is a natural recipro- While the idea of rights resonates with Africans, in African

18 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 19 languages such as Yorùbá, dignity (iyi) is a noun, a state or qual- elaborating the meaning of human dignity and related concepts State obligations perspectives adds depth and flavor to an African understanding ity of being. Even when there is not agreement about the spe- such as ubuntu. Even in places where human dignity is a rec- of dignity. cific definition of human dignity, it is a concept that resonates ognized constitutional right, there are challenges in definition, In spite of deep reservoirs of reverence and a sense of the widely and meaningfully. We believe there is much that can scope, and implementation of the right. In other countries, 7An important obligation of states is to enable its people to live sacred that infuse African understandings of dignity, it is not be learned from various African perspectives on dignity that human dignity is a foundational concept but is not itself a legal lives of dignity, in light of the broad African recognition of the an exclusively religious concept; it is meaningfully significant will enrich not only African understandings of this concept but right. It can be understood as the “mother” of rights, or lying at importance of dignity. Former presidents Julius Nyerere and to those who have no religious beliefs but who are morally global understandings as well. the genesis of rights. While dignity is foundational, this is not Ian Khama have respectively stressed its importance. In Julius righteous and scrupulous. to understate the importance of rights or of the duty of states Nyerere’s farewell 1985 speech, he recalled that “the single to respect and protect rights. Dignity is a common concept in most important task, which I set out in my inaugural address African society, and in the contemporary world, human rights in December 1962, was that of building a united nation on the Many meanings of dignity can be seen as a way of operationalizing human dignity. The basis of human equality and dignity”; and this he reinforced in Gender/age dimensions concept of human dignity can reinforce what we know and his socialist concept of ujamaa. And for Ian Khama, it formed 4 have as human rights. Human dignity should not be used as a part of the 5 Ds Roadmap: democracy, discipline, dignity, 9 There are many different meanings of dignity in African a nebulous concept that governments can invoke to limit or development, and delivery. There may be gender dimensions in discussions of dignity that contexts, including the idea of living a dignified life (which deny rights to people. In spite of the broad African recognition of the importance must be noticed. If dignity is understood primarily as a matter can be related to ceremony and honor), dignity as rank or of dignity by some governments, there are places in Africa of status (the dignity of the king or of tribal elders), it can have status (which can be hierarchical), dignity as a moral ideal where dignity is often violated and places where governments a gender dimension that distorts the universal and inherent (reflected in dignified behavior, including dress), dignity as a do not do enough to protect human dignity and ensure it is value of all human beings that is the hallmark of dignity. We right, dignity as a personal responsibility (the duty to behave Concrete concern for basic human needs taken seriously. Occasionally governments in Africa use refer- also caution that dignity should not be comprehended mainly in a dignified manner), as well as dignity as describing the ences to duties in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ as a matter of age, where the dignity of the elder is opposed to inherent value and worth of the human person. In a funda- 6 Rights as a pretext for not protecting human rights, including that of the young. mental sense, because they are human, all human beings have African discussions of dignity are less abstract and theoreti- human dignity. Human dignity has deep implications for relationships dignity, even if they behave in ways that are undignified. We cal than some other discussions of dignity, focusing on basic involving gender difference and age groups, including domes- can urge others, such as our children, to behave with dig- human needs that must be satisfied in order to be fully human tic violence, which is an affront to dignity. If, for example, a nity without questioning the inherent human dignity of all, and to enjoy one’s basic human dignity, including food, cloth- man disrespects the woman or the young girl-child acts impo- regardless of how they behave. ing, shelter, gainful employment, and the ability to care for Religious and theistic foundations litely towards an elderly person, then that person is described There are dimensions of dignity that include living a com- oneself and one’s family. Social and economic rights are the as someone who has no utu. plete and virtuous human life, for example, as reflected in cornerstone of human dignity. In many African contexts, the Yorùbá people’s concept of omoluwabi, which suggests the including Mozambique, dignity is understood as relating to 8 African understandings of human dignity are usually based ideal of someone who has a good character in all dimensions the basic capacity to fulfill one’s human needs and then to be upon a belief in God, a creator who made human beings in of life, reflecting virtue or good character in every sphere. able to help fulfill the needs of others, including family and God’s image. As such, there is an element of reverence and a Human dignity and our environments This idea of being completely trustworthy, courageous, extended relations. Thus, discussions of dignity need to focus dimension of humility in understanding human dignity. The hard-working, humble, and of good character and of treating on basic human needs and capacities, such as the ability to find idea of human dignity implicates relationships beyond those 10 others with respect is also an ideal that is closely related to meaningful and remunerative work that is sufficient to pro- in this life, including with our creator and with our ancestors This conference has focused on the relationships between the ideal of dignity. vide for oneself and one’s family. Discussions of human dig- who live in an afterlife beyond the visible world. Thus dignity law, religion, and the environment in Africa. An important Discussions of human dignity, as with discussions of human nity will be regarded as too theoretical and abstract if they do implicates our treatment of the dead. Dignity implicates the recurring theme has been the relational character of human rights, should take place in a spirit of genuine dialogue, includ- not include an emphasis on basic economic and social rights, departed as well, recognizing that belonging and being recog- rights and human dignity and that it implicates and impresses ing between the northern and southern hemispheres, rather including not just problems of poverty but of extreme poverty. nized does not just involve the present. upon all of our relationships, not just with other people but than in a spirit of instruction or direction. When we focus on The rising generation, including university students, will not In some parts of Africa, understandings of dignity are inex- with other animals and with our natural environments. Just as one perspective of human dignity, we should not mistake it have patience with theoretical discussions of human dignity tricably connected to Islam. Muslims in Africa are familiar concepts like isiXhosa’s ubuntu, Shona’s unhu, and Kiswahili’s as an “African” perspective, since there will be many African when their education does not empower them with basic with the Quranic verse that God honored human beings in utu extend concern for human beings beyond rights and into perspectives. Dignity eludes definition and capture by any one capacities to make a decent living. creating Adam as God’s vice-regent or steward and that human relationships, they also extend our concern beyond human group or viewpoint. An African perspective on human dignity is also to be mind- beings reciprocate this by treating other human beings with relationships and into other relationships, such as with God, ful of the most serious violations of human dignity, including dignity. This is evident even in architecture (that is, in the envi- with the world, and with the various environments in which genocide, other atrocities, forced migrations and displace- ronment), where a room of the house is dedicated to provid- we live. ments, and extreme poverty, hence the saying that “a person ing hospitality to strangers. This has implications for how we Dignity as a right and as a “mother” of rights possesses no ‘utu’” among Kiswahili-speaking communities. should treat all people, including beggars. While from a Mus- Extreme disparities of wealth and poverty will be viewed as a lim perspective human rights may seem like a foreign concept, 5 violation of human dignity. the concept of human dignity is not foreign but an accepted In some countries, such as South Africa and Nigeria, human and intrinsic part of the Muslim faith. dignity is a recognized fundamental constitutional right, and Christian and indigenous religions also have deep and there are important judgments of these nations’ highest courts meaningful teachings about human dignity, and each of these

20 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 21 A REMARKABLE WORK The Center in Asia REGIONAL CONFERENCES UDHR in Its 8th Decade The Center has conducted extensive pated in the China Certificate Training translation of the Law and Religion case- work in Asia over the past 20 years, Program and later spent a semester at book into Vietnamese and in a series Fostering Dignity and Equality concentrating primarily on China, Viet- BYU Law School as a visiting scholar, of the Certificate Training Program in nam, India, and Indonesia. In the early Brett Scharffs was invited in 2018 to partnership with the Vietnam National 2000s, conferences in Beijing focused teach the first law school course on law University system. IGE and the Ho Chi 4–5 FEBRUARY 2019 6–7 FEBRUARY on law and culture, since religion was and religion at a Chinese university. Minh Academy of Politics and Law cur- MUMBAI, INDIA BANGALORE, INDIA too sensitive as a direct framing device. After attending the Annual Law and rently offer regional training programs Sponsored by the Institute of World Religion Symposium, Professor Edward to party and government officials who Religions at the Chinese Academy of Xu from Fudan University in Shanghai regulate religion throughout Vietnam. The South Asian Consortium for Religion and Law Studies Social Sciences and other academic launched the Center for the Study of The Templeton Foundation and Tem- (SACRALS) held two back-to-back events in India. Discussions partners, these events were the seedbed Mormonism and Sino-US Relations. Sev- pleton Religion Trust have provided explored the interrelationship of dignity, equality, and rights for the Center’s Certificate Training eral of his young colleagues have come generous grants to help fund the Cen- from legal, philosophical, and religious points of view. Program on Religion and the Rule of to BYU Law School as visiting scholars. ter’s work with IGE. Law to take place in Beijing. Similarly, large academic confer- This training has had a broad impact ences in Vietnam have helped build over the past 10 years: more than 600 relationships that have resulted in the G20 Interfaith Forum participants have received this training, and a network of scholars interested Peace, People, Planet in law and religion has been created. These scholars meet regularly to pres- Pathways Forward ent their work, they have launched a scholarly journal, and they conduct web-based discussions of religion and 6–9 JUNE 2019 the rule of law. TOKYO, JAPAN Key partnerships have been invalu- able in expanding the reach of the Center in Asia. The principal convener At the G20 Interfaith Forum, more than 2,000 people from of the Center’s Certificate Training the world’s religious communities, including almost 200 Program is think tank Pu Shi Institute, speakers, gathered in anticipation of the upcoming G20 Sum- under the leadership of Liu Peng, with the organizational expertise of the Insti- mit in Osaka. Participants engaged in discussions on global tute for Global Engagement (IGE), based agendas, including the Sustainable Development Goals, in Washington, DC. Thanks to Songfeng resulting in policy recommendations for G20 leaders. Li, a young professor who had partici-

22 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 23 A LONG AND STORIED HISTORY The Center in Europe

Cole Durham’s roots in law and religion The association with OJLR has led to a Parliamentary Group on International trace back to Europe. As a third-year series of conferences held at Oxford Religious Freedom or Belief, the Inns of law student at Harvard, he chose to University. Most recently, the Young Court, the National Holocaust Centre, write a paper on German church-state Scholars Fellowship on Law and Reli- the International Slavery Museum in theory. Later, when he came to BYU as gion has taken place at Christ Church, Liverpool, and several Belfast groups REGIONAL CONFERENCE a law professor, he taught courses on Oxford. working on implementing the Good law and religion from an international ICLRS senior fellow David Kirkham Friday Peace Accords in Northern Ire- standpoint. In the mid-1990s he joined a has also contributed to the Center’s land. Paul Kerry, who was a super- Religious Voices, Human newly created advisory panel of experts work in Europe. While serving as numerary research and teaching fellow for the Organization for Security and academic director of the BYU London at the University of Oxford’s Rother- Dignity, and the Making of Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and Centre from 2015 to 2019, he worked mere American Institute for the last has since worked in countries across closely with the AMAR Foundation, several years, will continue that work as Modern Human Rights Law the OSCE’s member states. He has also the UK Parliament and the All-Party an associate director at the Center. provided commentary on pending 20–22 JANUARY 2019 legislation in OSCE countries, helping draft OSCE guidelines, and has advised ROME, ITALY the OSCE on issues related to freedom of religion or belief. The Center continues to work in The Europe regional conference was the first of the Europe through long-term teaching year to follow upon the major international initia- engagements at Central European University in Budapest, certificate tive undertaken by the ICLRS and global partners trainings, and partnerships with various during 2018 to commemorate the 70th anniversary universities to sponsor conferences. In of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The addition to organizing a training at the European Court of Human Rights, the conference was organized by and held at the Pon- Center created the Strasbourg Consor- tificia Università Antonianum in cooperation with tium, a website that monitors relevant the ICLRS; the Oxford Journal of Law and Religion; cases taken before the European Court the Religion, Law and International Relations Pro- of Human Rights. The Center has published two gramme of the Oxford Centre for Christianity and books on Islam in Europe, and Durham Culture at Regent’s Park College, Oxford; and the serves as co-editor in chief of the Oxford Oxford Society of Law and Religion. Journal for Law and Religion (OJLR) while Donlu Thayer serves as associate editor.

24 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 25 A REGION WITH REMARKABLE OPPORTUNITIES The Center in Eastern Europe

Much of Cole Durham’s early work program participants have gone on to was in Eastern Europe as he provided serve in parliaments and presidential REGIONAL CONFERENCE support and counsel to various coun- administrations, teach at major univer- tries following the fall of the Berlin sities, litigate key cases, be appointed Wall. When the Center was established to national courts, serve on advisory Secularity, Secularism, and in 2000, associate director Elizabeth boards for the Organization for Security Clark brought her expertise on Eastern and Cooperation in Europe and other Religion in the Post-Soviet Europe and language facility with Rus- international organizations, and work sian and Czech. tirelessly for the right to freedom of Space The fall of the officially atheist religion or belief for everyone in their Historical, Legal, and Philosophical Approaches Soviet Union brought some remarkable countries. opportunities to engage national leaders throughout Eastern Europe on religious 23–25 OCTOBER 2019 freedom topics. Interest in understand- ing comparative perspectives ran deep, BISHKEK, KYRGYZ REPUBLIC and the Center has helped train govern- ment, religious, and civil society leaders from across Eastern Europe. For exam- Sponsored by the ICLRS, Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic ple, the Center sponsored an annual University, and the Center for Religious Studies of series of conferences with the Academy for State Service in the Russian Presi- Kyrgyzstan, the Eastern Europe regional conference dential Administration and hosted more brought together scholars, government officials, than 100 Russian leaders with interest in and civil society leaders to discuss secularism and religion and law for 10-day educational secularity in post-Soviet countries. The conference programs in the US through the Library of Congress’s Russian Leadership was well supported by top government officials Program. from Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asia countries, These early opportunities have with much of the discussion focused on the need to matured into strong partnerships with academics, activists, and government avoid encroaching on religious freedom in the name leaders across Eastern Europe. The of secularism and ways to address security concerns Center has since broadened its network that appropriately respect international commit- and now has hundreds of conference alumni in major academic and policy ments to freedom of religion or belief. posts in virtually every country of Eastern Europe. Younger scholars and

26 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 27 AN EXAMPLE AND AN INSPIRATION The Center in Latin America

REGIONAL CONFERENCE The Center’s work in Latin Amer- friends and allies in the Center’s work over the past decade. The Center now ica began slowly in 2000, when Cole in Latin America and elsewhere. They consults regularly with thought leaders Durham and longtime friend Silvio have opened doors for close collab- across the region and sponsors three A Weeklong Tri-Country Event Ferrari of Italy attended a conference oration with leaders of the Roman major conferences in Latin America on law and religion in Europe. It was Catholic Church and with leaders in each year. Latin America has become there that they became acquainted academia and government in their an example and an inspiration to many OCTOBER 24–30 with a promising young lawyer named home countries. other parts of the world on the ques- GUATEMALA Juan Navarro Floria from Argentina. Under the leadership of associate tion of religious freedom, and the work COSTA RICA The three of them decided to promote director Gary Doxey, the work of the there continues to grow. PANAMA the formation of a consortium of Latin Center in Latin America has accelerated American scholars and lawyers dedi- cated to developing expertise in church- state law and religious freedom. At the Associate directors Gary Doxey and David Moore time, there were only a handful of Latin and senior fellows Denise and Neil Lindberg took Americans with even minimal religious part in a weeklong religious freedom conference freedom expertise. Later that year, Durham, Ferrari, in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama. The event, Navarro, and Center senior fellow Scott co-sponsored by the ICLRS, culminated in the Isaacson were among those present in signing of an agreement between the ICLRS, Santa Lima, Peru, at the founding of the Latin American Consortium for Religious María La Antigua Catholic University, and the Liberty. Every year since then, the con- Latin American Consortium for Religious Freedom sortium has held an annual colloquium to work together to promote and protect religious in various Latin American countries. As a result, scholarship in the field has freedom. Events included meetings with various improved significantly. A few consor- religious leaders, academics, and supreme court tium members have even established justices. The delegation spoke at the National their own academic centers modeled Assembly in Costa Rica in a nationally televised after the ICLRS. There are now several dozen active religious freedom experts event. Doxey and Moore were also interviewed in Latin America. Moreover, these Latin on radio and television. American experts have become close

28 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 29 STEADY PARTNERSHIPS The Center in the Muslim World

The Center’s work in the Muslim world Islamic Studies (IAIS). In 2020 the Cen- in Malang and Gada Maja University in has recently taken place on several ter hopes to help launch the Southeast Yogyakarta. Together with our friends fronts, developing relationships of Asian Consortium for Law and Religion at the Oslo Coalition for Freedom of ever-increasing engagement, friendship, Studies (SEACLARS) as a new regional Religion and Belief, we have helped and trust. scholarly association. support master’s-level courses at both Regional conferences in places like In Indonesia the Center has partic- universities. Our friends at Muhammad- Como, Italy; Rabat, Morocco; and Addis ipated for nearly 10 years in a series of iyah University leveraged this support Ababa, Ethiopia, have focused on issues conferences and teaching programs on into a master’s degree program at their REGIONAL CONFERENCE relating to Islam. We have also helped Sharia and human rights, with academic university on Sharia and human rights, sponsor conferences in the Middle partners at Muhammadiyah University funded by the Asia Foundation. East, including in Israel, Jordan, and the Tolerance in the Context of United Arab Emirates, as well as confer- ences and teaching programs in South- Legislative and Judicial Systems east Asia, including in Malaysia and Indonesia. In 2018 a major conference 23–25 APRIL 2019 was held at the University of Jordan ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Law School on the Amman Message, an initiative of the king of Jordan advocat- The Middle East regional conference explored the ing moderate and inclusive Islam. In ideas of tolerance, human fraternity, and human 2019, on the heels of the Pope’s visit to the United Arab Emirates, the Center dignity from legal, philosophical, and religious organized a conference building upon points of view. Scholars from around the world the themes of brotherhood and human addressed practical implementation strategies for dignity that came out of the joint Abu Dhabi Declaration between His Holi- Gulf-region legislative frameworks, with particular ness Pope Francis and the Grand Imam attention directed toward the principles contained of al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayyeb. in the recent Abu Dhabi Declaration and the Punta The Center’s work is also growing in South Asia, especially India, and in del Este Declaration on Human Dignity for Every- Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia one Everywhere. The conference was a combined and Indonesia. We have co-organized initiative of the UAE Ministry of Tolerance, the significant events in India through the South Asian Consortium for Religion ICLRS, and the UAE University College of Law. and Law Studies (SACRALS) and in Malaysia with the Institute of Advanced

30 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 31 RELATED CONFERENCES MARKED PROGRESS Human Dignity from Judges’ Perspectives The Young Scholars 24–25 JULY 2019 PEMBROKE COLLEGE, Fellowship at Oxford OXFORD The International Center for Law and This past year it also involved participa- The event was sponsored by the Religion Studies launched the Young tion in three Center-sponsored confer- ICLRS in partnership with Dr. Scholars Fellowship on Religion and the ences: “Human Dignity from Judges’ Dmytro Vovk of the Center for Rule of Law, hosted at Christ Church, Perspectives,” “Religious Perspectives Rule of Law and Religion Studies Oxford, in the summer of 2018. This fel- on Human Dignity,” and “Religious Per- lowship addresses the need to develop secution in the World Today.” All of the at Yaroslav the Wise National Uni- and educate a network of leaders conferences will result in books. versity in Kharkiv, Ukraine. sensitive to the importance of religious The 2019 scholars spent a day Ewelina U. Ochab, born in Poland, now lives and works in Dmytro Vovk, born in Ukraine, currently lives and works in freedom. in London, where they toured the England as an advocacy and engagement advisor to members Ukraine. He is the director at the Center for Rule of Law and of Parliament and as a lecturer. She is the author of Never Religion Studies and is an associate professor at Yaroslav the Religious Perspectives on In 2019 the second class of scholars Supreme Court, heard a case argued completed the Young Scholars Fellow- before Lord Hodge, a justice of the Again: Legal Responses to a Broken Promise in the Middle East Wise National Law University. His research focuses on the Human Dignity ship at Oxford, with 16 participants court, and met with Lord Alton and (Kairos: Vienna, 2016); “Religious Freedom,” in Kenneth R. influence of religion—primarily that of the largest Ukrainian chosen from almost 100 applicants. other members of the House of Lords Ross, Mariz Tadros, and Todd M. Johnson, eds., Christianity in churches—and on European integration policies of the North Africa and West Asia (Edinburgh University Press: Edin- Ukrainian government. He was a yearlong fellow at the ICLRS. 30–31 JULY 2019 The scholars represented Argentina, and House of Commons in a ground- Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, India, breaking Parliament assembly on burgh, 2018); and “Bringing Daesh to Justice: What the Inter- He has translated W. Cole Durham, Jr. and Brett G. Scharffs’s CHRIST CHURCH, OXFORD Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, religious persecution. Ewelina Ochab, national Community Can Do,” with Pieter Omtzigt, in the casebook, Law and Religion: National, International, and Com- Russia, and Ukraine. a member of the 2018 class of young Journal of Genocide Research (2018). She contributes to Forbes, parative Perspectives (2019), into Russian. This event launched the Human The fellowship is not sponsored scholars, was instrumental in bringing HuffPost, Providence, and Oxford Human Rights. Vovk and Scharffs also organized the conference at Oxford Dignity in Religious Tradi- by any government entity or religion. together the scholars, members of the Ochab worked with Parliament in Great Britain to make in 2019 titled “Human Dignity from Judges’ Perspectives” tions (HDRT) Project, a research It provides instruction and facilitates clergy, and Parliamentarians for this August 22 a day to commemorate victims of acts of violence and will organize a 2020 conference there called “Christian endeavor jointly organized by interactions with world-renowned meeting. based on religion or belief. Perspectives on the Legal Aspects of Human Dignity and the Indonesian Consortium for religion and law writers, academics, This program has already seen Human Rights.” Religious Studies (ICRS), Baylor and scholars and includes (1) 12 weeks tangible results from the 15 scholars of online writing tutorials held prior to admitted to the first year of the program University, and the ICLRS. (2) three weeks of intensive coursework in 2018. Here we spotlight the work of held on-site at the University of Oxford. three of them. Ahmed Salisu Garba, born in Nigeria, currently lives and works Religious there. He is a member of the Faculty of Law and is dean of graduate studies at Bauchi State University in Gadau, Nigeria. He is also the Persecution in author of “The Prospects and Problems of the Marrakesh Decla- ration on the Rights of Religious Minorities in Muslim Majority the World Today Communities,” published in the Review of Faith & International Diagnoses, Prognoses, Affairs (2018). Garba established the Center for Law and Religion Studies at Treatments, Cures Bauchi State University. The center was backed and funded by the university after the publication of his article, the first English 2–3 AUGUST 2019 academic article to be published by his university’s faculty. He has CHRIST CHURCH, OXFORD also developed law and religion as a course of study at the univer- sity. Garba states, “Nigeria’s legal framework for the management of The event was sponsored by the religious diversity is inadequate, [and the government’s] use of force ICLRS, the AMAR Foundation, and has not solved the problems. Through the work of our center and Latter-day Saint Charities. law reform, freedom of religion and belief will flourish.”

32 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 33 STUDENTS

STUDENT RESEARCH FELLOWS STUDENT MANAGEMENT BOARD

Student Research Fellows spend the summer between their Student Management Board members are selected based first and second years of law school in externships at Area on their skills and interest in law and religion. They spend Legal Counsel Offices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- the school year assisting in various Center projects as well day Saints in many parts of the world. They also assist in as attending conferences throughout the United States and research, writing, and publishing projects for the Center. the world.

Joseph Castro Kody Richardson Emmanuel Amirikau Fabiana Lauf Frankfurt, Germany Salt Lake City, Utah, USA Austin Atkinson Justin Miller Summer Crockett Liam Smith Shaun Belliston Malea Moody Hong Kong, China Johannesburg, South Africa Andrew Birkinsha Madison Moss Christopher B. Fore Aaron Stinson Tiago Camargo Jox Moxon Provo, Utah, USA Mexico City, Mexico Miranda Cherkas Sara Plater John Geilman Jessica Volmar Erin Cranor Shelise Rupp Salt Lake City, Utah, USA Frankfurt, Germany Diana Flores Taylor Shaw Hannah Leavitt-Howell Ellen Huish Welch Melissa Hartman Rachel Whipple Accra, Ghana Salt Lake City, Utah, USA Kyle Harvey Kyra Woods Andrew Navarro Vanessa West Abdullah Hassan Lima, Peru Buenos Aires, Argentina McKenna Rammell Auckland, New Zealand

or the past 20 years, BYU Law students have been a critical goodwill for the university and the cause of religious freedom resource for the Center, not only as volunteers but as for all. F Working for the Center has been one of the greatest experiences My favorite projects to work on for the Center involve editing part of the “networks of scholars, experts, and policy makers” Here are just a few of the ways that students assist the I’ve had in law school! This summer I was able to attend a articles that are written by international authors. Not only do I that we strive to develop as part of our mission. Students act Center in its mission. religious freedom conference in Oxford, England, where I toured feel like I am helping authors be more effective in educating an as ambassadors of the Law School and the Center, spreading Parliament, walked through the chambers of the Supreme Court American audience, but I also learn a lot about important topics of the United Kingdom, and interacted daily with respected reli- along the way!” gious freedom scholars from all around the globe. It truly was an —Miranda Cherkas experience that I will always cherish!” —Abdullah Hassan

34 2019 ANNUAL REPORT “ “INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 35 MOOT COURT COMPETITION MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARDS

For the past two years, teams of BYU law students have par- Each spring the Center recognizes a group of third-year law ticipated in the European Academy of Religion’s International students for their dedicated service to the Center and the Moot Court Competition in Law and Religion in Rome, Italy. cause of religious freedom. SYMPOSIUM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Sponsored by the Center, these teams have made an excellent showing, including a win in 2019 by Madison Moss, Shelise Rupp, and Kyra Woods. The Symposium Executive Committee is critical to the success Master Schedule Recruitment and of the Annual International Law and Religion Symposium. Erin Cranor, chair Volunteer Coordination These student volunteers spend hours on the logistics of the Rhett Hunt Aaron Stinson, chair Representing BYU Law Outstanding Service Meritorious Service Awards symposium and work closely with delegates to ensure that McKenna Rammell Alicia Conley Austin Atkinson Justin Miller Athelia Graham their experience is a good one. Summer Crockett Fabiana Lauf Shelise Rupp Kyle Harvey Liam Smith Justin Miller Stephanie Lenhart Malea Moody Malea Moody Madison Moss Scott Mosley Documents, Interpretation, Concierge Transportation Shelise Rupp Joe Moxon and Media Austin Atkinson, chair Joseph Castro Gabriell Sabalones Emily Parkinson Andrew Birkinsha, co-chair Kai’anui Graham Hayley Brooks Cousin Kyra Woods Rhonda Peck Kevin Moscon, co-chair Andrew Navarro Ben Marsden Sara Plater Rusty Griggs Rhonda Peck Will Morrison Taylor Shaw Kristie Lam Moss Daniela Rosbach Madison Moss George Simons Kody Richardson Gabriell Sabalones George Simons Rachel Sackett Chery Yang

FIRST STIRLING FELLOW Volunteering for the symposium opens my eyes to the outside world My work with the Center has been incredibly fulfilling and On 24 January 2019, the ICLRS and the LLM program at BYU in a meaningful way. The moments when we interact with dele- rewarding. I have been lucky enough to travel abroad for ICLRS Law School awarded the first Stirling Fellowship to Emmanuel gates are what truly make our experience meaningful. During the conferences and competitions, and I have seen the importance of Amirikau of Nairobi, Kenya. The Stirling Fellowship is a new symposium this year, I had the chance to escort one of the delegates these discussions surrounding religious freedom. Interacting with award made possible by the Stirling Family Foundation; it sup- to a prayer room, where he explained to me why the particular international scholars and presenters has helped me to see that ports exceptional international students in BYU’s LLM program. prayers he said are important in his religion. His kind and rever- there is more to these issues than a news headline or compelling Students accepted to the LLM program are already lawyers or ent nature motivated me to be more sincere in my own prayers. story. My experiences working with them on a personal level judges in their home countries. Stirling Fellowships will help Conversations like these happen all of the time with our student have allowed me to better empathize with those from a variety of develop these promising young professionals into leading law- committee, and we find that the work and planning required during cultural and religious backgrounds.” yers, legal scholars, and judges. Additionally, Stirling Fellows the symposium is always worth it for such valuable moments.” —Austin Atkinson will remain a part of the Center’s international network of “—McKenna Rammell “ professionals in the field of law and religion studies.

36 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 37 INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Even before the Center was officially launched on January 1, IAC membership initially numbered around 30 and has INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS 2000, many individuals were drawn to the compelling mes- grown to more than 220 members today. Members play an Allen & Denise Alexander Sheldon & Joan Child Scott & Cheri Gubler Carlos & Vania Martins Greg & Sharon Slater sage of religious liberty. A group of supporters coalesced into active role in generating funds to assist in the operational Elder Wilford W. & William & Patricia Child Wayne & Connie Hancock Derek & Shelaine Maxfield Senator Gordon Harold & an informal advisory group of volunteers. From this group, and long-term costs of the Center. Endowments established Kathleen Andersen David & Mary Christensen Senator Orrin G. & Mike & Kelly Maxfield Sharon Smith and with the organization of the Center, the International by members of the IAC as well as annual dues are important Lynn Anderson Jordan & Julie Clements Elaine Hansen Hatch Karl David & Bryant & Nicole Stirling Scott & Jesselie Anderson David & Julie Colton Curtis B. & Irene Hill Lora Lee McAllister David & Laurea Stirling Advisory Council (IAC) was formed. Ralph Hardy, Duane sources of funding for Center activities. Of equal importance Brent & Cheri Andrus Eleanor Colton Richard Allen & Reid & Melanie Moon Wayne & Patrice Tew Madsen, and David C. Christensen have served as council is members’ active participation in the annual symposium and William F. & Ann Atkin Phil & Barbara Colton Nan Green Hunter Rulon & Jaquelin Munns Annette Lantos chairs. David Colton, the current chair, took office in 2018. in global conferences. Linda Bang Randy & Lisa Cone King & Diane Husein David & Linda Nearon Tillemann-Dick Brent & Bonnie Beesley Greg & Julie Cook Blair R. & Katrina C. Jackson David, Jr., & Tiffany Nearon Noel & Carrie Vallejo Christi Belliston Jim & Sandy Cook Eric & Kaye Jackson Jeff & Janet Nelson Bryce & Peggy Wade William Philip, Sr., & Lew & Barbara Cramer Heber & Christine Clair & Laura Nixon Stephen & Marcia Wade Barbara Lynne Benac Mark & Janette Cressler Lake Jacobsen Elder Robert & Joy Orton Blake & Leslie Walker Brian & Rachel Bertha Gary & Ann Crocker Jill Johnson David & Kathryn Paxman Elder Lance B. & John Dale & Diane Ralph & Mary Dewsnup Raymond Johnson Catherine Pedersen Patricia Wickman Robertson Blatter Greg & Monica Drennan Glendon “Woody” E. & Wayne & Robyn Petty Jennifer Wilcox James F. & Sharman Blood Rick & Janel Durfee Page Townsend Johnson David & Mary Ann Pollei Mark & Laura Willes Bradley & Ann Botteron Paul M. & Maren J. Durham James F. & Allyson E. Larkins Stephen & Marianna Gerald & Claudia Williams S. Robert & Lonnie B. Bradley Richard & Christena Durham Justin & Tahna Lee Richardson Kim Wilson & Gail Miller Joseph & Kimberly Brubaker W. Cole, Jr., & Louise Durham Helen Leon Bruce G. & Sara Robinson Elder Larry Y. & Lynda Wilson Mac & Christeena Brubaker Martin & Allyson Egbert David & Nancy LeSueur Jeff & Michelle Robinson Mark & Carol Wolfert L. Merrill & Nancy H. Bryan Bjorn & Cydnee Farmer David & Bianca Lisonbee Mark & Belinda Romney Kenneth & Athelia Woolley Douglas & Ann Bush Bryson & Jan Garbett Kent & Karen Lundquist Edward B. & Brooke F. Rowe Timothy & Teresa D. Wright Stacey Sweet Campbell Blair & Suzanne Garff Larry & Susan Lunt Gene & Martha Schaerr Koo & Patricia Yuen Elder Craig A. & Larry Miner Gibson Duane & Erlyn Gould Madsen Duane & Marci Shaw Deborah L. Cardon David & Doris Gillette Stan & Susan Martineau Milt & Heidi Shipp

IAC SPRING MEETING The International Advisory Council’s Annual Spring Meet- an attorney and an ICLRS senior fellow, was the keynote ing was held 4–5 April at the Grand America Hotel in Salt speaker, and Bill Atkin, international legal counsel for The Lake City. This meeting is an opportunity for the Center to Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered the give a stewardship report to the IAC. Ruth Lybbert Renlund, closing address.

IAC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

David Colton, chair Blair Garff Julie Colton Duane and Erlyn Gould Madsen David Christensen, immediate past chair David and Linda Nearon Mary Christensen Milt and Heidi Shipp Lynn Anderson Bryce Wade William Philip Benac Sr. Kenneth and Athelia Woolley Mark Cressler

38 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 39 IAC ENRICHMENT TOUR IN BOTSWANA ENDOWMENTS

Many IAC members attended the African Consortium for The enrichment tour included a visit to Botswana’s Law and Religion Studies (ACLARS) annual conference in Chobe National Park, home to Africa’s largest elephant pop- Gaborone, Botswana, and then participated in an enrich- ulation, and a visit to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, one of the ment extension from 18–30 May. seven natural wonders of the world. The trip ended in Cape Enrichment extensions are coordinated around a regional Town, South Africa, where, among other sites, the group conference and are an opportunity for IAC members to wit- visited Robben Island, the place of Nelson Mandela’s 18-year ness the work of the Center and learn more about religious imprisonment. freedom efforts in other parts of the world.

IN REMEMBRANCE The Center mourns the passing of Margaret McConkie Pope and REGIONAL GENERAL Sterling D. Colton in 2019. Both Brent and Cheri Andrus—Africa Gary Stephen Anderson—Law Students and General were long-time supporters and David and Mary Christensen—Oxford Sterling and Eleanor Colton—General champions of the Center, and Colton Dave and Julie Colton—Western Europe Cornerstone Endowment—General had been involved in the Center’s Greg and Julie Cook—China Jean and Frank work since its inception. They will be Edward and Helen Leon—Muslim World Barbara and Wayne Friendship FoRB—not country specific missed, but their influence will still Milt and Heidi Shipp—Southeast Asia George and Helen Johnson Research Fellowship—Student Fellows be felt. Lowell and Colleen Sherratt—General

40 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 41 ACADEMIC ADVISORY BOARD SENIOR FELLOWS

Sophie van Bijsterveld Carolyn Evans Reverend Doctor Kim-Kwong Silvio Ferrari Scott Isaacson Michael L. Jensen David Kirkham Denise Posse-Blanco Lindberg Professor of Law, Religion and Vice Chancellor and President, Chan Professor Emeritus, Università Society, Radboud Universiteit, Griffith University, Queensland, Former Executive Secretary, degli Studi di Milano, Italy Netherlands; Member, Dutch Australia Hong Kong Christian Council, Upper House of Parliament China

Neil A. Lindberg Adesina J. Olukanni Erlend "Pete" Peterson Ruth Lybbert Renlund

Ján Figeľ Mohammad Hashim Kamali Tore Lindholm Tahir Mahmood International Expert on Freedom Founding Chairman and CEO, Professor Emeritus, Norwegian Founder-President, SACRALS; of Religion or Belief, Bratislava, International Institute of Centre for Human Rights, Fac- Professor and Chairman, Institute Slovakia Advanced Islamic Studies, Kuala ulty of Law, University of Oslo, of Advanced Legal Studies, Amity Lumpur, Malaysia Norway University, New Delhi, India

Neville Rochow SC Gene Schaerr Hannah Clayson Smith Patrick J. Thurston

NEW SENIOR FELLOWS

Javier Martínez-Torrón Juan G. Navarro Floria Liu Peng Gerhard Robbers Professor of Law, Universidad Professor, Pontificia Universidad Director, Pu Shi Institute for Professor Emeritus, Universität Complutense, Madrid, Spain Católica, Buenos Aires, Argentina Social Science, Beijing, China Trier, Trier, Germany

Orrin G. Hatch Gordon H. Smith

Senator Hatch represented the state of Utah in the Senate Senator Smith was elected to the Oregon state Senate before from 1976 to 2019. At the time of his retirement, he was the his election to the US Senate, where he represented Oregon longest-serving Republican senator in history. Notable among from 1997 to 2009, serving on many committees. After leaving

Rik Torfs his achievements was his commitment to religious freedom. Congress, he served as senior advisor in the Washington Professor, Katholieke Universiteit He co-sponsored the Religious Freedom Restoration Act offices of Covington & Burling LLP, and in November 2009 Leuven, Leuven, Belgium and was the principal author of the Religious Land Use and he joined the National Association of Broadcasters, where he Institutionalized Persons Act. currently serves as president and CEO.

42 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 43 CENTER STAFF CENTER PUBLICATIONS

From the start, the Center has included in its mission the goal of “expanding, deepening, and disseminating knowledge and expertise regarding the interrelationship of law and religion.” Among the capstone publications of the Center is one referred to simply as “the casebook.” Titled Law and Religion: National, International, and Comparative Perspectives, it is coauthored by Cole Durham and Brett Scharffs and has been translated into a dozen languages. The five-volume Brill Encyclopedia of Law and Religion Brett G. Scharffs W. Cole Durham, Jr. Elizabeth A. Clark Gary B. Doxey began as a collaboration between Cole Durham, Academic Director Founding Director Associate Director Associate Director Advisory Board member Gerhard Robbers, and a team at Universität Trier in Germany. Donlu Thayer was instrumental in bringing this landmark work to publication in 2016. She was assisted first by a group of 100 lawyers from the J. Reuben Clark Law Society headed by Nan Barker (BYU Law ’84) and then by more than 30 BYU Law students. Lawyer-scholar Ashley Isaacson Woolley, who has continued to help with Center publications, provided essential editorial assistance.

Paul E. Kerry David H. Moore Jane Wise Donlu Thayer 2019 Associate Director Associate Director Associate Director Publications Director Elizabeth A. Clark and Dmytro Vovk, Religion During the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict (Routledge, 2019).

Gary B. Doxey, “Laicidad en Estados Unidos de América,” in Principio de laicidad y libertad religiosa: El rol del Estado en la sociedad plural, ed. Gabriel González Merlano (Montevideo, Uruguay, 2019).

Gary B. Doxey, forward to A. Keith Thompson, Trinity and Monotheism: A Historical and Theological Review of the Origins and Substance of the Doctrine (Connor Court Publishing, Deborah A. Wright Sherie Rogde Blythe Shupe Sandy Stephenson Center Coordinator and Conference Liaison Communications Specialist International Advisory Mondotti Press, 2019). Executive Assistant Council Liaison W. Cole Durham, Jr., and Brett G. Scharffs, with contributions by Donlu D. Thayer, Law and Religion: National, International, and Comparative Perspectives (“the casebook”), 2nd ed. (Wolters Kluwer Legal and Regulatory, 2019).

W. Cole Durham, Jr., and Brett G. Scharffs, Turkish Donlu Thayer, Center publications director, retired from Brigham Young translation of 2nd ed. of the casebook, trans. Fatih Öztürk University after 38 years as a professor teaching English and writing (Wolters Kluwer Legal and Regulatory, 2019). and then 10 years of dedicated service to the Center. Since joining the Center, Donlu has been key in the creation and management of the ICLRS Brett G. Scharffs, “Kokkinakis and the Narratives of Proper websites, Headlines service, and blog and has made invaluable contribu- and Improper Proselytizing,” in The European Court of Human tions to significant Center publications. She has been instrumental in the Rights and the Freedom of Religion or Belief: The 25 Years Since development of the Oxford Journal of Law and Religion and has put tireless Kokkinakis, ed. Jeroen Temperman, T. Jeremy Gunn, and efforts into realizing dozens of conferences, programs, and presentations. Malcolm D. Evans (Brill, 2019). Donlu will continue to serve as a Center senior fellow.

44 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 45 ADDITIONAL 2019 EVENTS SPONSORED, CO-SPONSORED, OR PARTICIPATED IN BY THE ICLRS

FEBRUARY APRIL JUNE 12 Summit on Religious Freedom, 8 International Society Conference 26–27 Master’s Level Course on Interfaith Council of Central Florida Provo, Utah Sharia and Human Rights, University of Orlando, Florida Muhammadiyah 22–August 10 Young Scholars 10–20 Cole Durham Teaching at Malang, Indonesia SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER Fellowship on Religion and the Rule Brett Scharffs Lecture at Fudan Fifth Annual Southeast Asia 14–16 Human Dignity Panel, Central European University 15 4–5 of Law, Christ Church University Center for the Study of Freedom of Religion or Belief J. Reuben Clark Law Society Annual Budapest, Hungary 26–28 Side Event on Human Oxford, United Kingdom Conference Dignity, 49th General Assembly of the Mormonism and Sino-US Relations (SEAFoRB) Conference 11 Hatch Foundation Conference Shanghai, China Bangkok, Thailand Seattle, Washington Organization of American States 23 House of Lords Event on United Salt Lake City, Utah Bogotá, Colombia Nations Commemoration of Victims of IRLA Meeting of Experts Religion and the Rule of Law 15 Inter-American Forum of Col- 3–5 4–8 Religious Violence Fez, Morocco Certificate Training Program laboration and Interfaith Dialogue on 20 “The Implementation of the New 28–29 Course on Religion and London, United Kingdom Religious Freedom, Mexican Senate Vietnamese Law on Religion,” Vietnam Human Rights, Gadjah Mada University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan 6–8 Conference with the Institute of Mexico City, Mexico National University Indonesian Consortium for Religious 24–25 Human Dignity from Judges’ World Religions of the Chinese Acad- 8–9 Conference at the Religious Hanoi, Vietnam Studies Perspectives emy of Social Sciences and the Chinese Freedom Institute 25–26 National Consultative Confer- Yogyakarta, Indonesia Oxford, United Kingdom ence of the CRL Rights Commission 23–May 3 Brett Scharffs Teaching at Religious Society Jakarta, Indonesia Beijing, China Pretoria, South Africa Central European University 30–July 2 Conference on Indigenous 30–31 Human Dignity in Religious 9 Council of Experts Review on the Budapest, Hungary Religions Traditions, Christ Church Templeton Consultation with Uzbekistan’s Draft Law on Freedom of 26 Cole Durham Lecture at Tufts 16–19 Jakarta, Indonesia Oxford, United Kingdom University 29–May 1 Second Global Summit Religious Freedom Institute Conscience and Religious Organizations Geneva, Switzerland Bangalore, India Tashkent, Uzbekistan Medford, Massachusetts 31 Third International Forum on Law JULY and Religion 24–26 International Conference on 10–13 ICLARS Book Launch 1–12 Brett Scharffs Teaching a Course Quezon City, Philippines Law Reform Rehovot, Israel MARCH MAY on Law and Religion, China University Batu, East Java, Indonesia 4–7 Third Annual Meeting of the 2–4 Roundtable on Freedom of of Politics and Law 12–13 Second Caribbean Symposium European Academy of Religion (EuARe) Religion or Belief Beijing, China AUGUST on Religious Freedom Bologna, Italy Podgorica, Montenegro 1 Roundtable Discussion, Rus- OCTOBER Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 1–12 2019 ADF Summit on Religious sian Orthodox Church and Ukrainian 1–3 Annual Colloquium of the Latin 6–7 Panel on Human Dignity, UN 2–4 24th Annual World Convention Liberty 19 “Proclaim Liberty Throughout Orthodox Church Leaders, Christ America Consortium on Religious Human Rights Council New York City, New York Laguna Niguel, California the Land: The Hebrew Bible in the US,” Church Freedom Geneva, Switzerland Brigham Young University University of Washington Oxford, United Kingdom Bogotá, Colombia 17 8–12 Religion and the Rule of Law Provo, Utah 11–12 US State Department Event Religious Freedom Conference Certificate Training Program 7–10 Conference Co-sponsored by 9–11 26th Annual International Law Taipei, Taiwan Seattle, Washington Beijing, China 21–22 Conference at Russian Parlia- the West African Regional Center for and Religion Symposium, Newseum ment’s Public Chamber (Tentative) Religious Persecution Confer- Law and Religion Studies (WACLARS) Washington, DC 22 “Challenges to Religious Liberty 17–18 12–13 New Religions Movements, Lagos, Nigeria Location Today,” Interfaith Philadelphia’s Year of ence at Central European University China Conference 10 International Association of Reli- Conversation Budapest, Hungary Beijing, China 23 LDS–Orthodox Christian Dialogue 19–23 Education Week, Brigham gion Journalists Conference Philadelphia, Pennsylvania San Diego, California “What’s Next for Religious Young University Salt Lake City, Utah 22–23 15 Highlighting the Punta del Este Provo, Utah 26–27 Religion and Rule of Law Freedom?” Straus Center for Torah and Declaration, National Press Club Certificate Training Program Western Thought 23 Conference at Pembroke College Washington, DC 26–28 68th United Nations Civil Vientiane, Laos New York City, New York Oxford, United Kingdom DECEMBER Society Conference 5–8 Secularism and Secularity 16–18 Second Ministerial to Advance Salt Lake City, Utah 24 Second Annual DFW Summit for Conference and Book Launch 29–April 1 Religion and Rule of Law Religious Freedom Religious Freedom Hanoi, Vietnam Certificate Training Program Washington, DC Qui Nhon, Vietnam Dallas, Texas 10–13 Religion and Rule of Law Certificate Training Program Mandalay, Myanmar

46 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 47 48 2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION STUDIES 49 EST. YEARS 2000

International Center for Law and Religion Studies

452 JRCB, PROVO, UT 84602 USA

PHONE: +1 801-422-6842 | FAX: +1 801-422-0399 EMAIL: [email protected] | WEB: ICLRS.ORG TWITTER: @ICLRSORG | FACEBOOK.COM/ICLRS.ORG

Support the Center by emailing [email protected] or by calling +1 801-422-6842.