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Rome Conference

romeconference(questa pagina in italiano)

December 10-12, 2015
Pontifical Urban University | Rome, Italy

Now Available: 12-Minute Trailer and Full Conference Footage

The International Conference on Christian Response to Persecution, a major component of "Under Caesar’s Sword," took place at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome, Italy, from December 10 to 12, 2015.

The main objective of the conference was to introduce the results of the world’s first systematic global investigation into the responses of Christian communities to the violation of their religious freedom. The scope of "Under Caesar’s Sword" extends to some 100 beleaguered Christian communities in around 30 countries.

In addition, this conference sought to:

  1. Celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Dignitatis Humanae, the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on religious freedom, and to inquire into the threats to religious freedom at the time of the declaration and those that Christians face today; 

  2. Elicit a lively discussion of the global persecution of Christians among journalists, government officials, human rights activists, church leaders, representatives of world religions, scholars, students, and the interested public; and

  3. Draw public attention to the plight of persecuted Christian communities, promote cooperation among Christian churches in assisting these communities, and encourage global solidarity with them.

The conference featured plenary speakers from among the world’s most respected advocates of religious freedom. It offered a lively discussion of the global persecution of Christians among church leaders, government officials, scholars, human rights activists, representatives of world religions, students, and the interested public. Finally, the conference shed light on the experiences of millions of Christians worldwide whose religious freedom is severely violated. It was conducted in English and Italian.

The conference was organized jointly by the Center for Civil and Human Rights at the University of Notre Dame and the Religious Freedom Project at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University. Co-sponsoring was the Community of Sant'Egidio.

Thanks to all who joined us in Rome to participate in this landmark event!

Watch the 12-minute video report and see the agenda and speakers.