2026 Notre Dame Religious Liberty Summit
2026 Notre Dame Religious Liberty Summit | Chicago | July 5-8
"We Hold These Truths"
The sixth annual Notre Dame Religious Liberty Summit brought together the world’s leading defenders of religious liberty for conversation between religious leaders, scholars, and advocates about the future of religious liberty. The Summit's theme at the 2026 Notre Dame Religious Liberty Summit is "We Hold These Truths."
Over 100 leading scholars, faith leaders, and advocates gathered in Chicago, Illinois. During the three days of the summit, more than 20 speakers participated in 6 panel discussions. Featured topics included:
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"The Laws of Nature and of Nature's God": Natural Law and Rights
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The Religious Foundations of the American Revolution
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Religious Freedom and the Making of Free Societies
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Localism, State Political Experimentation, and Religious Freedom
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Religious Freedom and Abundance
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Religious Freedom and the Catholic Mission in a Secular Age
This year, the Notre Dame Law School honored the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, a nonprofit public interest law firm based in Washington, D.C. with the 2026 Notre Dame Prize for Religious Liberty. Mark Rienzi, president and CEO, accepted the award on behalf of the Becket Fund.
The prize is given annually in recognition of achievement and support in preserving religious liberty.
The Becket Fund has an unparalleled record at the U.S. Supreme Court. In the last 15 years, Becket has won 13 Supreme Court cases. Six of those victories were unanimous. Almost half of all Supreme Court victories for religious freedom over the last decade were Becket cases. The Becket Fund is the sixth recipient of the Notre Dame Prize for Religious Liberty.
John Witte of Emory University School of Law received the 2026 Religious Liberty Scholarship Award. A leading specialist in legal history, human rights, religious freedom, marriage and family law, and law and religion, Witte has published over 300 articles, 18 journal symposia, and 45 books.
The award is given annually to a legal scholar in recognition of their accomplishments in the field of law and religion and for contributions to the understanding of protecting the freedom of religion or belief through law.
Click below to read the daily recaps from the 2026 Notre Dame Religious Liberty Summit:
Awards Dinner: Wednesday, July 8
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