About the International Center for Law and Religion Studies

The International Center for Law and Religion Studies is a global academic leader in the field of international religious freedom. Founded in 2000, the Center is part of the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University, one of the largest private universities in the United States. The Center’s mission is to “help secure the blessings of religious liberty for all,” through scholarship, networking, educational activities, and law reform efforts.

Scholars at the Center specialize in comparative and international law concerning religion. The Center partners with leading academic, governmental, and non-governmental institutions around the world to organize conferences and workshops. The purpose of these conferences is to foster respectful understanding and improve expertise at the critical intersection where law and religion meet.   

The Center has thus far helped organize more than 350 international events in more than 50 countries. Participants in these events include government leaders, community and religious leaders, judges, scholars, and other experts from a variety of disciplines. Participants learn from one another, discuss issues, and share their research and experience from their respective countries. Because of its global and interdisciplinary reach, the work of the Center is truly unique.

Among other activities, the Center: