Religion & Law

I spent this past week in Rome.  The occasion was a wonderful conference, hosted by Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon, commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration, and also the 25th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the United States and the Holy See, on "the American model of religious freedom."  My task, in a nutshell, was to describe that model, and I punted, contending that the American "model" is really an ongoing dialogue / debate among three models: "freedom of religion", "freedom from religion", and "freedom for religion."

I was so impressed with the Ambassador.  It was clear to me that both our country and the Church have been extremely well served by her.

While we are talking about anniversaries, remember again that MOJ's 5th is coming up.  I hope all my fellow MOJ-ers will take a few minutes to reflect on the project as a whole.  I think it is worth remembering, among other things, that -- even if we get a bit frustrated or testy from time to time -- we have been pulling off something pretty impressive, and worthy, these past years.  We are a diverse group of very able people with strong views about lots of things that matter.  We  have almost always -- and we always should -- observed norms of charity and civility, and also substantive engagement and dialogue.  This blog is not an echo chamber.  Sometimes, echo chambers are more comfortable and safe than actual conversations, but they are not nearly so valuable or rewarding.

Anyway . . . at the risk of falling into delusions of grandeur . . . "ad multos annos" to MOJ.  Let's take the 5th anniversary as an occasion to re-invigorate, and perhaps re-boot, some of our conversations, and try to move the "Catholic Legal Theory" ball.  If not us, then who?  etc.

And, if you are in Trastevere, check out Da Lucia, a wonderful, family-run trattoria in an obscure street.  Wonderful.