2025 Notre Dame Religious Liberty Summit: Day 1 Recap
MONDAY, JUNE 23
CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Book of Kells, Trinity College Dublin
On Monday morning, participants of the Notre Dame Religious Liberty Summit visited the Book of Kells, a 9th-century Latin manuscript of the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—on display at the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin. Created by Celtic monks and brought to life with vibrant illustrations and intricate designs, it reflects deep devotion and extraordinary craftsmanship.
MOVIE SCREENING HIGHLIGHTS
“Free Exercise: America’s Story of Religious Liberty,” followed by a fireside chat with Dean G. Marcus Cole and Professor Rick Garnett
Notre Dame Religious Liberty Summit participants enjoyed a film screening of “Free Exercise: America’s Story of Religious Liberty.” Several of the Summit participants appear in the documentary, providing expert insight into the history, meaning, and intent of the Free Exercise Clause and how it continues to shape America today. The screening was followed by a conversation with Dean G. Marcus Cole and Professor Rick Garnett on the film’s central themes.
“Religion involves action. It’s not just freedom of belief. This freedom involves the exercise of religion, the translating of belief into action in the world.”
Rick Garnett, Notre Dame Law School
“The evidence shows that religious freedom promotes economic prosperity. Religious freedom is one of the conditions that leads to prosperity. If you are free to believe and act upon your beliefs, then you’re free to engage in the kinds of explorative activities that lead to market development.”
Dean G. Marcus Cole, Joseph A. Matson Dean and Professor of Law
Read the other daily recaps from the 2025 Notre Dame Religious Liberty Summit: