Baylor Sponsors Religious Freedom Summit in Anticipation of Papal Visit

Baylor President and Chancellor Ken Starr has established himself as a leading advocate for religious freedom, accepting invitations to speak at various forums across the United States and the world. On September 18, Judge Starr delivered the closing remarks at the Religious Freedom Summit in Washington D.C.

Baylor University co-sponsored the Religious Freedom Summit, “Freedom to Be – Freedom to Serve,” in partnership with The Catholic University of America and the Georgetown University Religious Freedom Project, and with the support of The Knights of Columbus.

Featured speakers included President and Chancellor Starr, John Garvey, president of The Catholic University of America, The Most Reverend William Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore, along with other notable spiritual leaders, philosophers, legal advocates and leaders in higher education.

The Summit preceded the arrival of Pope Francis and his first public Mass in the United States on the campus of The Catholic University of America.

One of the most pressing issues Pope Francis discussed during his visit to the United States is the worldwide crisis concerning religious freedom for people of all faiths.

The Summit brought thought leaders together to discuss religious freedom and the significant implications for individual human lives, international justice and peace in every nation.

Panelists explored religious persecution in the United Kingdom, United States and globally. Firsthand accounts by Congressman Frank Wolf, Baylor’s Jerry & Susie Wilson Chair in Religious Freedom, Sarah Liu of China and Joseph and Hannah Sleman of Syria brought global perspective to the topic. Panel discussions featuring Baylor faculty members Dr. John Haldane, the J. Newton Rayzor Sr. distinguished chair in philosophy and Dr. Byron Johnson, co-director of the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion and distinguished professor of the social sciences examined the roles of education, legal advocacy and research in the crisis.

Dean Thomas Hibbs, coordinator of the Baylor in Washington program and Dr. Francis J. Beckwith, professor of philosophy and church state studies participated in the Summit as well.

In Judge Starr’s closing remarks, he explained, “Even with America’s myriad faults and shortcomings, it stands as a shining beacon in the darkness of a world filled with religious animosity and hatred.”

Judge Starr continued to explain that amidst the heated religious debate in which the country is involved, there are four constitutionally protected principles on which America is founded. Foundational to religious liberty are the guarantees that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

In light of the summit’s reflections and the visit of Pope Francis, Judge Starr suggested that it was not unrealistic to hope that America’s elected representatives continue to find common ground on religious issues.

“Our representatives well understand the inextricable link between religious freedom and national security, as well as the importance of religious liberty in promoting human flourishing,” Judge Starr said. “That is truly the ultimate aim of our gathering.”