BYU hosted its 31st annual Law and Religion Symposium from Oct. 6-8.
The gathering took place in the J. Reuben Clark building, where experts from multiple countries discussed the intersection between law and religion. The symposium has a long track record of assembling approximately one hundred delegates from roughly fifty nations.
The attendees consisted of three groups, including representatives of various religious organizations and traditions, government officers and academics who specialize in law and religion.
The symposium fosters a tradition and academic discipline built across various parts of the world.
Sherie Rogde, a liaison officer for the International Center for Law and Religion Studies within BYU’s law school, said directors and associate directors have spent years building relationships with those who influence law and public policy in their countries.
“The people who attend the symposium, because of the level that they’re at, they come away with some new ideas or some new approaches because as they listen, as they are in the sessions, and they listen to their co-panelists or other speakers, they hear of their experiences that helps them in their own work,” Rogde said.
The symposium is not exclusive to any set of individuals. Professionals, professors and even interested students were invited to attend.
“It’s not just law; it includes lawyers, scholars, experts in the field, clergy, judges, ambassadors, the policymakers, those who influence law and policy in their countries,” Rogde said.
Gary Doxey, associate director for the International Center for Law and Religion Studies, says that student volunteers are a huge part of the message they try to convey through BYU.
The center has organized 600-700 conferences worldwide in conjunction with other universities and countries.
The center's network, which was built through these conferences, has resulted in members of these networks, such as government officers or scholars, extending invitations to advise and provide technical assistance at their events.
"We don't go in and tell people what to do or how they should make their laws, but when we're invited, we're happy to tell them, 'Here's something that works, and here's something that might work better,'" Doxey said.
Some law students who volunteer at the symposium become fellows of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies.
"We make great friendships. I'd say we probably have up into the two thousand range (of) solid alumni who work at the center, many of whom are continuing as friends and collaborators," Doxey said.
Elena Balkova, a second-year law student at BYU from Vyborg, Russia, volunteered at the symposium after working at the center over the summer and falling in love with what it does.
After becoming close with her professors and working on research projects for them, Balkova said she wanted to contribute to the symposium to demonstrate her gratitude.
"The people are so amazing, so sharp; they are doing amazing research, and it's research that matters especially for us as a church," Balkova said.
Balkova says that as an international student and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the symposium serves as a reminder that so many different cultures and religions matter.
"I love my religion, but I have to recognize that there are people who love theirs as much as I love mine and it's very important for us to recognize that," Balkova said.