Religious Freedom in the 21st Century

Religious privilege has, and continues to, shape the discourse about public policies in the United States. Too often this imposes on the civil and human rights of marginalized groups in the areas of voting rights, public education, health care, immigration and LGBTQ rights. The struggle for freedom and justice cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the First Amendment freedoms at the heart of these struggles. Particular attention will be given to how and in what ways power, violence, identity, and pluralism form and frame the discourse of religious freedom across space and time.

This online synchronous course will feature experts actively engaged in addressing these issues in multiple contexts and provide actionable steps to address religious freedom in the 21st century.

Course meets on Wednesdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 2025, 1:30pm-5pm.

Please be prepared to engage in coursework equivalent to a 3-credit course over the month.

Students will show competency via class discussions, posts, reflection papers, and a final project.

No prerequisites required for this course designed for MDiv and MASC students. Relates to thresholds: 1. Life in Religious Community and Interfaith Engagement 2. Prophetic Witness and Work 6. Thea/ology in Culture and Context 7. Educating for Wholeness and Liberation and MFC Competencies: 4. Social Justice in the Public Square 7. Leads the faith into the future.

Enrollment Max: 20. Auditors excluded.