From 13-15 February 2016 members of the International Advisory Council of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies participated in a travel study tour of Southeast Asia. One goal of the travel was to provide occasions to reflect on the themes of religion and the rule of law as well as the Center’s mission to promote religious freedom for all people in all countries of the world. The group visited sites in Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. Center Director Brett Scharffs said of the trip: “Our deepened appreciation for the history and culture of these ancient civilizations will help us place into context the challenges and opportunities that exist in this part of the world today.”

The trip began with a meeting between the Center and Vietnam National University (VNU), during which an historic blueprint for cooperation between the two organizations was signed. Those assembled were welcomed by Pham Quang Minh, Vice Rector of University of Social Sciences and Humanities at VNU and were privileged to hear a lecture by Professor Do Quang Hung, National Leading Expert on Law & Religion in Vietnam.