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 freedom for all.
Reflecting on his book, Thames shared two profound moments that shaped his understanding of religious persecution. He recalled sitting in a church office in Cairo, watching a man cry after he had been hunted by his government and rejected by his family for converting to Christianity. Thames noted that, despite being "a person of no real importance" by worldly standards, this man’s decision to embrace his faith had transformed his life in profound ways. Thames also recounted meeting a member of the Hazara Shia Muslim community in Pakistan, who sobbed as he shared the horror of losing friends to a suicide bomber. These personal stories underscore the deeply personal nature of religious persecution for Thames, and the demand for lawyers and other human-rights advocates to fight to put an end to it.
Thames stressed 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?” For Thames, the fight to end religious persecution is not only just but also necessary.
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.
Panelists Included:
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Knox Thames, International human rights lawyer
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Erin Corcoran, associate teaching professor and executive director of the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies
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Daniel Philpott, professor of political science
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Kimberlie Orr, legal fellow for the Lindsay and Matt Moroun Religious Liberty Clinic