Notre Dame Law School’s Lindsay and Matt Moroun Religious Liberty Clinic and the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies hosted a lecture by Knox Thames, an international human rights lawyer, on his new book, “Ending Persecution: Charting the Path to Global Religious Freedom,” published by the University of Notre Dame Press. Building off his extensive experience, Thames offered strategies to advance religious
Reflecting on his book, Thames shared two profound moments that shaped his understanding of religious persecution. He recalled witnessing the emotional distress of individuals facing persecution for their faith, highlighting the deeply personal nature of these experiences. He emphasized the importance of standing with those persecuted for their beliefs, declaring, “The question is, will we help? Will the United States and others stand with them against the storm?”
The discussion also included reflections on the book from Erin Corcoran, associate teaching professor and executive director of the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, and Daniel Philpott, professor of political science. Kimberlie Orr of the Lindsay and Matt Moroun Religious Liberty Clinic moderated the discussion.
Corcoran emphasized the timeliness and relevance of Thames’s work, particularly in the current geopolitical context. She praised how the book not only unpacks the complexities of religious persecution but also offers a “roadmap for how we can go about addressing it in modern times.”
Philpott’s remarks offered a reflection on the broader impact of Thames’s work and the ongoing challenges in religious freedom policy. He also reflected on the practical impact of religious freedom policy, asking how success is measured in this field.
During the question and answer session, students raised questions that prompted a larger discussion on the challenges of addressing religious persecution. Third-year law student, Shideya Parrilla, asked how to engage advocates and how advocates themselves might persevere in light of “compassion fatigue.” Thames acknowledged this challenge, noting that while it can feel overwhelming, it’s essential to find a personal connection to the cause.
Nicolás Munsen, a third-year law student, appreciated Thames’s approach to such a complex issue as religious freedom. “Though an expert in the complex international dynamics of religious liberty, Thames repeatedly focused our vision on real persons who have suffered religious persecution. I appreciated this, because the point was both clear and important: religious liberty is not about promoting an abstract value; it is about serving our brothers and sisters in need,” Munsen said.
Thames encouraged students, in their future careers, to use their skills for social good, whether through legal advocacy or simply helping individuals navigate complex systems. “Knox Thames’s expertise provided practical solutions and inspiring hope in the fight against global religious persecution—principles we are committed to advancing through our work at the Religious Liberty Clinic,” Orr said.
Overall, Thames emphasized that while issues surrounding religious persecution are complex, there are many ways to contribute, whether through advocacy, working with non-governmental organizations, or engaging in political efforts, and that the fight against persecution requires long-term commitment and resilience.
Originally published by Elyse Paul at religiousliberty.nd.edu on December 18, 2024.