Over the past 30 years, Faith and Law has brought a wide variety of distinguished speakers to address contemporary political and cultural issues for the benefit of congressional staff.
People with disabilities are created in the image of God, imbued with the same intrinsic value and bestowed the unalienable rights declared in our nation's founding document. However, the history of disability policy and social norms have not always mirrored this foundational truth. Drawing from her experience, surviving a life threatening and rare spinal cord tumor that left her as a quadriplegic and her decades working on Capitol Hill, Rachel Barkley director of the National Center for Public Policy Research's Able Americans program, first discussed what the Bible says about people with disabilities, then in light of this, how we should approach disability policy.Support the show
Is the purpose of religious liberty to end religious oppression or is it to change, perhaps even eradicate, religion as it has been known across history? That question has been at the heart of America's debates about religious liberty since the founding era and it still plagues us today.Dr. Richard Samuelson, Associate Professor of Government at Hillsdale College, presented a study of this founding era debate to help us understand this important tension that has persisted across American history.Support the show
In his 1962 book, Propaganda, Jacques Ellul outlines three conditions for propaganda's success. Bombard people with excessive information so they will forget, always have “breaking news” so they do not reflect or think critically, and have no North Star or standard to measure deviation. As Christians we are called to remember, called to think, and called to follow our certain and firm North Star. Dr. Stephen J. Nichols, president of Reformation Bible College and chief academic officer for Ligonier Ministries, discussed how a Christian worldview speaks to these conditions and encourages us to both speak and live truthfully in difficult times.Support the show
During a time when political conversations are marked by deep division, polarization, and challenging moral questions, what resources do evangelicals have to think and act critically, coherently, and theologically about public life?In their new book, Hopeful Realism: Evangelical Natural Law and Democratic Politics, political theorists Dr. Jesse Covington of Westmont College, Dr Bryan T. McGraw of Wheaton College, and Dr. Micah Watson of Calvin College lay out an evangelical theory of the natural law and show how it can be employed within the context of our pluralist democratic order.Support the show
Dr. Amy E. Black, Professor of Political Science at Wheaton College (IL) joined us to share ideas from her forthcoming book, Civil Religion and the Renewal of American Politics. Dr. Black rejects strict secularism and Christian nationalism, suggesting instead that an inclusive civil religion is the best model for the interplay of religion and politics in a pluralist democracy like the United States.Support the show
American Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Timothy Carney challenges modern parenting strategies that prioritize over-scheduling, intense academic pressure, and material success. Drawing from years of research and his own experience as a father of six, Carney reveals how the relentless drive for perfection is harming both parents and children, is leading to skyrocketing rates of anxiety and depression, and how parents, policymakers, and believers, should respond.Support the show
We partnered with the Institute for Human Ecology for a conversation between Dr. Joseph Capizzi, the first ever lay Dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies at the Catholic University of America, and The New York Times columnist Ross Douthat. Our panelists discussed the “democratization of theology” facilitated by new media and parallel trends. Drawing from Douthat's latest book, Believe: Why Everyone Should be Religious, the conversation highlighted the changes in the religious landscape and present opportunities for a religious revival. Support the show
In this annual panel discussion with Capitol Hill veterans, we were joined by Michelle Altman, a former U.S. Senate Chief of Staff, Arne Christenson, a former Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House, and A.T. Johnston, a former Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense. Panelists shared their stories of success and failure as they navigated the complicated ethical waters of faith and work on the Hill. John Palafoutas, Chairman of the board of Faith and Law served as moderator.Support the show
In a democratic society, differences and disagreements are inevitable—but they don't have to lead to dysfunction. For leaders, especially those guided by faith, understanding pluralism is key to navigating tensions and fostering unity. Ben Klutsey, Executive Director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, will share insights on bridging divides and advancing the common good. Drawing from his experience growing up under military rule in Ghana and his research on pluralism, he will offer practical guidance on how to bring opposing perspectives together in today's polarized political climate.Support the show
In May 2025, respected academic journal, Nature/Springer will publish a special Global Flourishing Study collection of papers, a product of four years of collaboration among more than 40 leading experts from Harvard University, Baylor University and Gallup. This $43.4 million dollar initiative involves data collection from approximately 200,000 participants, from 22 geographically and culturally diverse countries. Their goal, to answer questions such as what causes people in some countries to flourish, while others don't? In this follow up to their initial Friday Forum discussion from December 2023, Pete Peterson, Dean of the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine University interviewed Dr. Byron Johnson, Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences at Baylor University and Visiting Distinguished Professor in the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine University, to give us a “look under the hood” of what results we might expect to see in May, and what it might mean for American policymakers.The Global Flourishing Study (GFS) is a longitudinal research study being carried out in collaboration between scholars at the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard and Baylor's Institute for Studies of Religion, and in partnership with Gallup and the Center for Open Science.Watch Pete Peterson's initial Friday Forum interview with Byron Johnson from December 2023. Support the show
Deadly violence dishonors the innate, God-given dignity of all people and brings grave loss to families and communities. In this Friday Forum in partnership with Prison Fellowship, a panel of experts in criminal justice joined us to discuss how policymakers both on Capitol Hill and in the states should act to reforms that prioritize violence reduction, proportional punishment, and rehabilitation.Support the show
Secularists have failed spectacularly in their quest for a “naked public square”, devoid of religious values. Christians enjoy a dominant presence in public life, especially civil government. But how has this extraordinary opportunity impacted politics and public policy?The Honorable Paul McNulty, the ninth president of Grove City College and co-founder of Faith and Law joined us to discuss the wisest road ahead for believers working in the public square.Support the show
Is it correct or even possible to be optimistic about our future given the rapid pace of technological change and all the challenges these developments bring? Along with technology, our modern society has reaped great abundance and stands to gain more, but Christians must also think about how to steward a materially abundant society. What could a radically abundant future look like, especially for our children, and how might it be achieved? How might Christians think about a future of radical abundance enabled by advances in AI, energy, and the policy and cultural frameworks that will enable these technologies? Rachel Barkley, President of RK Barkley Consulting, interviewed and discussed these topics with Taylor Barkley, Director of Public Policy at the Abundance Institute.Support the show
War in the Middle East has the entire world on edge. Here at home, the war is also contributing to America's divisions, from anti-Semitism on college campuses to hate crimes against Arab Americans to a significant breakdown in Jewish-Muslim relations. What has a year of peacemaking among America's faith groups looked like amidst those tensions? And what does a biblical call to peacemaking (Matthew 5:9) look like for Christians here in the US? Support the show
Faith and Law 2024 Leadership ConferenceDr. Mark Hall, Regent UniversitySupport the show
Brig. General (Ret.) John Teichert's opening prayer and devotional given during our 2024 Leadership Conference.Support the show
2024 Leadership Conference. John Shelton of the Advancing American Freedom interviews Dr. Yuval Levin of the American Enterprise Institute.Support the show
2024 Leadership Conference.Panel Discussion featuring Elaine Petty, Charmaine Yoest, and Dr. Bill Hurlbut.Support the show
Genesis 1:26 reveals that God made humankind in His image and reflecting His nature for an awesome assignment: to rule responsibly over all He has made. Being good stewards of God's creation is a biblical mandate.In this lecture, Dr. Jessica Moerman, climate scientist and President and CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network, addressed the debate over the causes of climate change, discussed the role of human activity on today's global warming, while providing scripture based reasons for how environmental stewardship is part of our Christian witness and a matter of defending the life and health of the most vulnerable.Support the show
Federal agencies have often used the regulatory process to impose mandates that infringe on key rights of religious exercise and conscience. But this spring, the Supreme Court overturned the longstanding doctrine of congressional delegation known as Chevron deference. What does that mean for congressional authority and how is religious freedom impacted by agency rules? Our panel featuring Laura Wolk Slavis of Becket, Paul J. Ray of the Heritage Foundation, Rachel Morrison of the Ethics and Public Policy Center and Amy Vitale of Becket, discussed this question—and how congressional staff can effectively engage the regulatory process—through the lens of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Support the show
Marriage and fertility rates are lower than ever seen before in America's history. This means that a record share of today's young adults will never marry or have children. But the paradox is that men, women, and children in married families are much more likely to thrive socially, emotionally, and financially than their peers who don't enjoy that safety and stability.University of Virginia Professor Brad Wilcox of the Institute for Family Studies and American Enterprise Institute joined us to reveal what's happening to marriage and family life, why these two institutions are losing ground, and what Washington can do to revive their fortunes in 21st-century America.Support the Show.
Disagreements are easy; productive disagreements require effort. But productive disagreements are the heartbeat of a healthy democracy, a healthy team, and even a healthy family. Dr. Rick Langer and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff of Biola University joined us for a look at productive disagreements and what they ask of our hearts as well as what they ask of our speech–both toward those on the other side and also toward our own in-groupSupport the Show.
How should we, as Christians, think about the role of government? And how should we think about our own roles as public servants? Dr. Vince Bacote, professor of theology at Wheaton College, joined us in a partnership with the Center for Public Justice for a theological discussion on government, authority, and sphere sovereignty — a term coined by 19th century Dutch theologian, politician, and pastor Abraham Kuyper.Support the Show.
In a polarized world, where the public square has become increasingly hostile, how do we continue to make progress on the things we are called to build? Is it even possible to build anything at the moment?With a strong track record of working under challenging circumstances to bring about societal change, Baroness Philippa Stroud, Member of the House of Lords and a leading public influential in the UK, identified the steps needed to renew culture, starting with healthy institutions. Drawing on her work with the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship, Stroud discussed how policymakers can foster changes in society that ensure that citizens can take hold of the opportunities in front of them and develop the personal resilience to serve over decades. Support the Show.
How do we, as a people, hand down love, one generation to another? Is that the role of the law? What did previous generations know about this tradition of love and law that we, today, may have forgotten? Dr. Matthew Mehan, Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Government at Hillsdale College joined us for a reflection on possible answers to these and related questions, drawn from revered foundational texts of the Americans who came before us. Such reflections may, perhaps, change the way we make, uphold, and, in a special way, love the law.Support the Show.
Over 70 million adults in the U.S. have a criminal record. These individuals face over 44,000 government-imposed barriers to work, housing, education, and civil rights that limit their efforts to become responsible stewards of their families and communities. How can churches, businesses, law enforcement, and policymakers better unlock second chances for Americans who have paid their debt to society?A panel of experts from Prison Fellowship joined us for a conversation about the importance of strategies that protect public safety and promote success for individuals with a criminal record.Support the Show.
In the United States – and, indeed, around the world – changing demographics reflect a steadily aging population. As families grow smaller and more far-flung and as care costs escalate, conversations about elder care are complex and, often, heart breaking. While in the past it was generally presumed that care of elders was a family obligation, today that is less often the norm. Public policy makers who navigate this complex arena have decisions to make as to whether policy should be viewed as a way to replace the care once provided by families, as a scheme to assist families in providing this care, or a blend of both.Lucia Silecchia, Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Faculty Research at The Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law joined us to discuss the ways in which subsidiarity can be a critical part of these urgent conversations. Support the show
The days of Christianity providing a unifying moral vision for our culture (Christendom) are over. Dr. W. Robert Godfrey, Chairman of Ligonier Ministries joined us to discuss how Abraham Kuyper anticipated this contemporary problem facing American Christians and can help us develop a persuasive and public Christian program.Support the show
Declinism is in the air in certain circles, and it coincides with the conclusion of some historians that 250 years is roughly the lifespan of great superpowers. How do Christians understand such cyclical views of history, and what are the genuine grounds for confidence in the possibility of renewal. Christians are not called to be Pollyannas, but what should our realistic position be?Os Guinness, Anglo-Irishman, author, and social critic, joined us to discuss this timely and important topic.Support the show
We live in times when low-grade nihilism simmers just beneath the surface of everyday conversation, the desire for impact birthed in secular zeal soon stymied by chokeholds of institutional breakdown and pixelated trust. We call out injustice in public but feel squeamish about acknowledging our contributions to it. We text expressions of care to one another but lack the creativity to prove it off-screen. We feel exhausted by the ever-accelerating pace of modern life, by performative politics, by the cultural demand to keep up appearances and continually refine our own identities. Cynical indifference is tempting an entire generation of young adults.Even as we long for experiences of beauty, transcendence, and meaningful co-creation have we lost the ability to find the quiet space required to discern the movement of God?Anne Snyder, editor-in-chief of Comment magazine, joined us to explore a series of principles that can field regeneration, bear fruit, and change history's direction for the better.Support the show
The kind of people we are, has much to do with the kind of public life we have. Spiritual formation is central to civic renewal. Michael Wear, Founder, President and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, joined us to share ideas outlined in his new book, The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life.He encouraged us to consider reframing how we view our political involvement as Christians, why who we are in our political life is not quarantined from who we are in "real life," and how we can seek a gentler, healthier politics, all while living and working on Capitol Hill.Support the show
Every child is capable of being an agent of their own uplift provided they are given the resources to inform the decisions that will make them successful adults. Ian Rowe, Sr. Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute discussed four factors that are crucial for children to overcome the victimhood narrative and discover their pathway to power: family, religion, education, and entrepreneurship.Support the show
Faith and Law hosted our yearly panel discussion with Capitol Hill veterans to explore ethical issues encountered by Hill staff, especially as they reach senior leadership positions. Panelists including John Cusey, Melika McKinnis, and John Shelton shared their stories of success and failure as they navigated the complicated ethical waters of the Hill. The discussion was moderated by Bill Wichterman, President of the board of Faith and Law.Due to technical issues with one of the hearing room microphones, parts of our recording have subpar audio quality. We regret any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.Support the show
As a leader of the largest ever global study on human flourishing, Dr. Byron Johnson, Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences at Baylor University and Visiting Distinguished Professor in the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine University, joined us to discuss why a "focus on flourishing" is important for all policymakers whatever their political party. In conversation with Pepperdine School of Public Policy Dean Pete Peterson, Dr. Johnson went beyond the theoretical to reveal what the latest data are telling us about the importance of faith in promoting healthy societies, and how policy decisions can either inhibit or promote human flourishing.Support the show
Gary Haugen's firsthand experience investigating systemic human rights abuses helped him recognize a troubling pattern: people living in the world's poorest communities experienced constant physical danger because their local justice systems weren't equipped to defend them from the violence they faced every day. Haugen was told that this would never change, but he believed otherwise, leading to the founding of International Justice Mission (IJM). Since 1997, IJM's reach has expanded globally into 31 program offices in 16 countries working to combat trafficking and slavery, violence against women and children and police abuse of power.Still, these issues of violence persist, affecting millions around the world – an estimated 50 million people live modern slavery globally and nearly 736 million women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.Government officials in the United States are uniquely positioned to create policies and foreign assistance programs that protect vulnerable people from these human rights abuses. How can policymakers work to increase access to justice, hold criminals accountable, and reduce the prevalence of violence and exploitation?Support the show
The American political order, and the civilization from which it emerged, are under unprecedented assault—from both the political Left and the New Right. Yet the ideals and institutions that have shaped Western Civilization—concepts such as individual freedom, natural rights, and belief in a loving God—have made profound contributions to human flourishing. Dr. Joseph Loconte, Presidential Scholar in Residence at New College of Florida and the C.S. Lewis Scholar for Public Life at Grove City College, joined us to discuss how transmitting this part of the human story is the most urgent educational task we face. Support the show
Mark Tooley, president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy joined us to discuss how Dutch and English Whiggish principles birthed by Anglo Protestantism created ordered liberty and self government. These principles are not static but dynamic. And once shaping society they are not easily erased. Confidence about tomorrow can come if we recall and better live out these principles. They remind us that we each bear God's political image and are stewards of His creation. And they point us away from nostalgia or temptations towards authoritarianism and instead towards enriched democracy amid providential hope.Support the show
In our day, "social justice" is a loaded term. While it is easy to agree that every relationship carries responsibilities -- friend and friend, business and client, government and people -- identifying the terms and principles of those responsibilities is a trickier task. What makes one party a giver and another a receiver? When injustice abounds, who is to blame? Is it correct to associate "social justice" with an image of the people pressing its government for goods and services?Dr. Russell Hittinger, Executive Director of the Institute for Human Ecology at Catholic University, presented clear principles, classical and timeless, for identifying what justice is, who gives it, and what order it upholds. Support the show
V. Bradley Lewis, Associate Professor Philosophy at Catholic University, and Jonathon Askonas, Assistant Professor of Politics at Catholic University, engaged in an interview-style discussion on the current standing, risks, and allure of artificial intelligence.Support the show
The development of medical treatments often requires use of human subjects, as well as human cells and body parts as models of human systems, to investigate mechanisms of action and to test therapeutics. Biotechnology has provided many successful therapies for previously intractable conditions, but also increasingly complex techniques that can alter what it means to be human and blur ethical lines. When we consider stem cells, cloning, gene editing, human-animal chimeras, organoids, embryoids and so-called synthetic embryos, what is ethical and what crosses the line of human dignity? Is any scientific endeavor justifiable because of a potential for cures, or are there ethical limits to efforts to heal or eliminate certain diseases all together? Do ethical alternatives exist that would benefit humanity without losing our ethical integrity?The Charlotte Lozier Institute has developed the Handbook of Nascent Human Beings to explain the science and to stimulate discussion on the ethics and moral permissibility of modern medicine and biotechnology. The place of this research in policy will also be discussed.David A. Prentice, Ph.D. is Vice President for Scientific Affairs at the Charlotte Lozier Institute. He is also Advisory Board Chair and a Founding Member for the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center, a unique comprehensive stem cell center in Kansas that he was instrumental in creating. In 2020, he was appointed by the Secretary of HHS to the federal Human Fetal Tissue Ethics Advisory Board. Dr. Prentice has almost 50 years' experience as a scientific researcher and professor, including previous service as a staff member at Los Alamos National Laboratory, senior fellow at the Family Research Council, Professor of Life Sciences at Indiana State University, Adjunct Professor of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, and Adjunct Professor of Molecular Genetics at the John Paul II Institute, The Catholic University of America. He has provided scientific lectures, policy briefings and testimonies in 40 states and 21 countries, including before the U.S. House and Senate and numerous state legislatures, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the President's Council on Bioethics, European Parliament, British Parliament, Canadian Parliament, Australian Parliament, German Bundestag, French Senate, Swedish Parliament, the United Nations, and the Vatican.Tara Sander Lee, Ph.D., is Vice President and Director of Life Sciences at the Charlotte Lozier Institute. A scientist with over 20 years' experience in academic and clinical medicine with an emphasis on the cause of pediatric disease, Dr. Sander Lee earned a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Medical College of Wisconsin followed by postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital in molecular and cell biology. Dr. Sander Lee was an appointed faculty member at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she directed a research laboratory investigating congenital heart disease in children and served as Scientific Director of Molecular Diagnostics at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. She has also served as a scientific consultant and is currently a member of the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality.Dr. Sander Lee is dedicated to promoting ethical advancements in healthcare that protect the sanctity of every human life. She has given expert legislative testimony, numerous national media interviews, and provided scientific advice for legislators, policymakers, and organizations. Dr. Sander Lee is published in various medical journals and textbooks, including her most recent contribution to the book, Choose Life: Answering Support the show
The divisions in America increasingly create an environment where everything is political, and the places in society where people who disagree can come together are dwindling as a result. How does our faith act as a compass to guide us through this culture of litmus tests and virtue signalling? When our culture wants us to pick sides and put our faith in politics, how do we lead a different way?Andrew Hanauer, President and CEO of the One America Movement, joined us to discuss how to reject toxic forms of division and offer a moral vision that transcends our divisive and disconnected culture.Support the show
For over half a century, pro-life advocates have fought to protect the sanctity of human life. Now that the decision the pro-life community has been waiting and praying for has finally become a reality, a question remains: Now what? How do we continue to stand for life for everyone who bears the image of God—from womb to tomb? And if abortion disproportionately impacts the poor and the marginalized, specifically Black Americans, why should we seize this new opportunity to make right what has gone terribly wrong?Benjamin Watson, author and a former NFL player who now serves as VP of strategic relationships with Human Coalition, joined us to discuss how we can create a culture where abortion is both unthinkable and unnecessary by relentlessly pursuing a more just world—for everyone.Click here to order Benjamin Watson's latest book "The New Fight for Life Roe, Race, and a Pro-Life Commitment to Justice".Support the show
For nearly a decade, federal policies meant to address homelessness have centered around “Housing First,” which begins with an assumption that the crisis is driven primarily by a lack of affordable housing. But is it really? Studies show that most individuals experiencing homelessness suffer from severe addiction, untreated mental illness, or a combination of the two. Others end up on the streets because they have no one to turn to, typically owing to broken familial relationships. It's time for a change. Steven Buri, Robert Marbut and Wesley J. Smith of the Discovery Institute joined us to explore a new approach that acknowledges the inherent dignity of those suffering and that focuses on restoration, recovery, and self-sufficiency.Support the show
In celebration of 40 years of ministry on Capitol Hill, Faith and Law hosted a special panel discussion moderated by alumni Katherine Haley. The panel consisted of current Members of congress, representative Mike Johnson, representative Julia Letlow, and representative Adrian Smith, who shared stories about how their Christian faith has guided them to reflect Jesus to the Halls of congress, our nation, and around the globe.Support the show
What do the pro-life and racial justice movements share in common? How can these shared values lead to greater advocacy and more effective outcomes in society. Gloria Purvis, Catholic author, commentator and the host and executive producer of The Gloria Purvis Podcast, joined us to discuss Life and Race in Post-Dobbs America.Before we begin playing the lecture, we'd like to apologize for the poor quality of the audio recording. We hope that you will still appreciate the insight shared by Mrs. Purvis.Support the show
Civil-military relations have often been tense and the current age of high political polarization poses particular challenges to maintaining healthy civil-military relations. Dr. Peter Feaver, Professor of Political Science and Public Policy at Duke University and former Special Advisor on the National Security Council during both the Clinton and Bush administrations, joined us to review best practices in civilian control of the military in light of recent controversies and ongoing political divisions.Support the show
More than one in three adults in the U.S. have a criminal record. These individuals face over 44,000 government-imposed barriers to work, housing, education, and civil rights that limit their efforts to become responsible stewards of their families and communities. How can churches, businesses, law enforcement, and policymakers better unlock second chances for Americans who have paid their debt to society? What can our society do to reduce cycles of recidivism, addiction, and unemployment among individuals leaving our nation's prisons and jails? Prison Fellowship joined us for a conversation about the importance of fostering a culture that promotes second chances.Speakers:Stanley Ball, Vice President and Chief Litigation Counsel at Eaton CorporationJa'Ron Smith, Partner at Dentons Global Advisors Government RelationsJermaine Wilson, Regional Director at Prison Fellowship and Mayor of Leavenworth, KansasKate Trammell, Esq., Vice President of Advocacy at Prison FellowshipSupport the show
Anxiety seeps into everything–into our own individual lives, relationships, and even our politics. As Christians, how might a transformed view of anxiety change the way we participate in politics? Curtis Chang demonstrates how anxiety is not a sin that should be prayed away, but how it is an opportunity to invite God into our individual and political lives in new and exciting ways. If you would like to learn more about how Christians are invited to experience anxiety differently, you can pre-purchase Curtis's upcoming book, The Anxiety Opportunity: How Worry is the Doorway to Your Best Self (May 15 release date).For additional content on anxiety and other topics highly relevant to the Faith and Law community, you can subscribe to Redeeming Babel (Curtis's non-profit) at this link. Members of Redeeming Babel receive their monthly newsletter, access to member-only events, member level participation in Curtis's weekly Good Faith podcast, and other special resources.Support the show
Faith and Law Executive Director, Lauren Noyes was joined by special guest panelists Russell Moore and David French for a discussion on some of the issues of deepest concern to the Faith and Law community, including, life, religious liberty, and building unity in today's polarized political environment. Support the show
When it comes to religious freedom, should Christians support diversity or are there any limits to religious freedom? If so, what are those limits and how do we determine them in a diverse society? Stanley Carlson-Thies, Senior Director at the Center for Public Justice, Lauren Baas Residential Program Coordinator for the American Studies Program and Emily Fromke, Program Director at the Center for Public Justice joined us to discuss how Religious Freedom is Vital for the Common Good.Support the show
Every day, police officers step up to fill an irreplaceable role in the community, responding to neighbors in crisis. However, access to important and lifesaving training for officers is often limited—increasing the risk of excessive use of force and undermining officer well-being. How can federal, state, and local leaders foster more effective and ethical policing and crisis response strategies?Featured panelists included:Ernie Stevens, Deputy Division Director of Law Enforcement, The Council of State GovernmentsDr. Quintin Williams, Program Officer, Gun Violence Prevention and Justice ReformThe Joyce FoundationKate Trammell, Esq., Vice President, Advocacy, Prison FellowshipErnie & Joe: Crisis Cops follows two Texas officers who are changing the way law enforcement responds to mental health calls. Ernie and Joe have unique insight into that crisis response as part of the San Antonio Police Department's Mental Health Unit. This film examines Ernie and Joe's daily encounters with people grappling with mental and behavioral health challenges. The full-version of ERNIE & JOE CRISIS COPSis available on HBO for streaming. The film is also available free to all U.S. law enforcement and public safety personnel thru 2024. For more information, visit www.ernieandjoethefilm.com.Prison Fellowship's recently published, “Building Blocks of Trust”, complete with illustrations and data, this report looks at the history of police training, current training requirements, challenges of modern policing, and community-oriented solutions that promote public safety. To learn more, visit www.prisonfellowship.org/policetraining.Support the show
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