Dean's Class: Aug 9 - Sept 6

July 31, 2015

Religious Freedom: Deepening the Conversation

Note from Dr. Keller: Both in our state and nationwide, this Spring the scope and limits of religious freedom have been a topic of much political discussion. As a priest, I’ve not been afraid of controversy, but I found myself wary of this one—concerned and perplexed. Many friends were strongly committed to one side—by overwhelming vote, our Diocesan Convention opposed a piece of legislation (House Bill 1228) that purported to protect religious freedom. I abstained, as the topic seemed to me to involve a set of very important, complex questions.

At this point, I’m more of mind to probe the questions than I am to take positions. So I thought of a way to do that. Clarke Tucker—who as Senior Warden asked me to come to Trinity—is now a State Representative. Taking positions is his job! Clarke is faithful and thoughtful, with a good lawyer’s understanding of the issues. I approach them as a theologian. Theology is “faith seeking understanding.” I asked Clarke if he would be willing to engage in a Sunday morning dialogue with me about religious freedom—and he readily accepted.
In these conversations we will take up one or more questions and, from our different perspectives, share our convictions, insights, and questions—in the pursuit of understanding. Our goal will be to deepen the conversation. The sessions will take place on Sunday mornings at 10:15.

• August 9: What is religion? What is freedom? 
• August 16: What should religious freedom be under the U.S. Constitution? 
• August 23: What is justice? What is discrimination? 
• August 30: How should state and federal laws address unjust discrimination? 
• September 6: What should happen where requirements of the law may conflict with prerogatives of religious freedom?