Latest News and Events
Review: Free Exercise: America’s Story of Religious Liberty (Friends Journal) | March 5, 2025
In telling the story of religious liberty in America, the new documentary Free Exercise not only educates viewers about this important history, but inspires us to avoid complacency and remain ever vigilant to preserve the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the First Amendment. Read the full article here.
‘Free Exercise’ Documentary Shares Tenured Story of America’s Fight for Religious Liberty (National Catholic Register) | February 4, 2025
New film recounts the story of six religious groups and how each fought for their right to exercise their faith — and why it still matters. Read the full article here.
New documentary tells America’s story of religious freedom (Religion News Service) | December 17, 2024
‘The film humanizes that history through the stories of brave citizens who defended the right to exercise their most deeply held beliefs,’ explained co-director John Paulson. Read the full article here.
“Free Exercise” Film on Religious Liberty Premiers in Philadelphia (Catholic Philly) | October 18, 2024
“Free Exercise: America’s Story of Religious Liberty” that makes its Philadelphia debut Oct. 29, with a free screening at 6 p.m. at the Museum of the American Revolution in Old City, Philadelphia. All are welcome. Read the full article here.
Thomas D. Lehrman on Sutherland Institute’s Defending Ideas Podcast | October 1, 2024
Nic Dunn, host of Sutherland Institute’s Defending Ideas podcast, sits down with Executive Producer Thomas D. Lehrman. Nic and Thomas discuss why this story matters, and how it impacts ongoing debates over religious freedom. Listen to the full podcast here.
“Free Exercise: America’s Story of Religious Liberty” to Air on PBS Member Stations Beginning Oct. 12 | September 17, 2024
“Free Exercise: America’s Story of Religious Liberty,” will be available on PBS Member Stations (check local listings) beginning on October 12, 2024. The new documentary is the most comprehensive film ever produced on the history, development and meaning of the Free Exercise clause of the U.S. Constitution. Read the press release here.
“America’s Religious Moderation,” An Essay of Law & Liberty| March 29, 2024
“Free Exercise is an engaging and instructive film. The producers have interviewed noted scholars and commentators, including Michael McConnell, Akhil Amar, Rick Garnett, and others known to Law & Liberty readers, as well as several religious leaders. All have interesting things to say. The film humanizes the history of religious freedom in America,” writes Mark Movsesian, Frederick A. Whitney Professor and Director of the Mattone Center for Law and Religion at St. John’s University Law School, in an essay reviewing the film. Read the full article here.
Richard Brookhiser on Legal Spirits Podcast | March 7, 2024
St. John’s University School of Law Mattone Center for Law and Religion Director Mark Movsesian interviews historian Richard Brookhiser about his new documentary, “Free Exercise: America’s Story of Religious Liberty.” How have minority religions tested and shaped America’s commitment to religious freedom over the centuries–and how has America changed those religions in return? From the Flushing Remonstrance of 1657 until now, it has been a grand story.
Princeton University Post-Screening Discussion| February 14, 2024
Post-screening discussion between film host and journalist Richard Brookhiser and St. John’s Law Professor Mark Movsesian, moderated by Princeton University McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program Robert P. George.