In March 2014 the Religious Freedom Project convened a group of scholars, attorneys, a Catholic nun (and former army officer), and some of America’s best minds to debate the following questions questions: Is religious freedom in decline in the United States (as it appears to be in the rest of the world)? If so, what does it mean for society at large, including those of our citizens who are indifferent or even hostile to religion? The day-long conference was entitled "Everybody’s Business: The Legal, Economic, and Political Implications of Religious Freedom." This report is a record of that event.
The day began with a stirring conversation between Judge Ken Starr, former solicitor general of the United States and current president and chancellor of Baylor University, and Alan Dershowitz, professor emeritus of Harvard Law School. Their discussion focused on one of the most controversial and momentous religious liberty cases in American history—the case involving Hobby Lobby, which was to be heard the following day at the Supreme Court.
Next came a panel of attorneys. Micah Schwarzman and Ira Lupu argued for the government’s case, while Helen Alvaré and Kyle Duncan (the lead attorney defending Hobby Lobby) argued the case for the family corporation.
The day’s final panel broadened the discussion to the question of whether religious freedom was good for business and good for the poor. Three RFP scholars gave an overview of their work in answering that question: Brian Grim, Anthony Gill, and Rebecca Shah. A highlight of this panel was Sister Deidre Byrne of Washington’s Little Sisters of the Sacred Heart.
Next came a panel of attorneys. Micah Schwarzman and Ira Lupu argued for the government’s case, while Helen Alvaré and Kyle Duncan (the lead attorney defending Hobby Lobby) argued the case for the family corporation.
The day’s final panel broadened the discussion to the question of whether religious freedom was good for business and good for the poor. Three RFP scholars gave an overview of their work in answering that question: Brian Grim, Anthony Gill, and Rebecca Shah. A highlight of this panel was Sister Deidre Byrne of Washington’s Little Sisters of the Sacred Heart.
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Program:
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