Move strengthens nation-leading religious liberty think tank and deepens
Union’s commitment to faith-based social justice.
NEW YORK, NY— The Law, Rights & Religion Project (LRRP)—the pre-eminent legal-strategy center reclaiming religious liberty for all—will make Union Theological Seminary (Union) its new institutional home this summer, capping eleven years of path-breaking work at Columbia Law School. LRRP’s offices will shift a few blocks north to Union’s landmark campus at 3041 Broadway.
“Union has long stood where faith and scholarship meet to re-imagine justice. LRRP’s bold, rights-affirming vision fits squarely within that tradition, and we are thrilled to welcome their team to our community,” shares Union President Rev. Dr. Serene Jones.
“I’m proud of what LRRP has accomplished in its first decade and excited to join Union at this critical moment. Partnering with an institution that embodies ‘faith in action’ will amplify our fight for religious freedom, pluralism, and social justice,” states Liz Reiner Platt, Director of the Law, Rights & Religion Project.
Founded in 2014 (originally as the Public Rights/Private Conscience Project), LRRP has become the leading legal voice on progressive religious liberty, supporting faith-based movements for reproductive rights, LGBTQ equality, immigrant rights, and anti-racist education while countering the misuse of religious exemptions. Its first eleven years produced:
• 14 research reports on religious liberty, reproductive rights, and racial justice
• 20 amicus briefs in state and federal courts
• 9 national strategy convenings of scholars, lawyers, activists, and faith leaders
• The 12-part Black Religious Liberty Curriculum video series
• Congressional and NYC Council testimony, and hundreds of media citations in outlets including The New York Times and The Washington Post
LRRP Director Liz Reiner Platt will continue to lead the Project; Daniela Sweet-Coll becomes Director of Operations & Design; and Dr. Christine Ryan will serve as LRRP Senior Fellow for Religion & Reproductive Rights while also launching the new Equality & Justice program at Columbia Law’s Human Rights Institute (HRI), ensuring continued collaboration between the two campuses.
“At Union, LRRP will join an intellectual ecosystem that includes the Center for Earth Ethics and other cutting-edge justice initiatives,” Platt added. “Together, we can broaden the moral and legal imagination of religious liberty.”
Read The LRRP’s Recent Report on Religious Liberty & Immigration
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About Union Theological Seminary
Union Theological Seminary (UTS), founded in 1836 in New York City, is a globally recognized seminary and graduate school of theology where religion and scholarship meet to reimagine the work of justice. A beacon for social justice and progressive change, Union Theological Seminary is led by a diverse group of theologians and activist leaders. Drawing on both Christian traditions and the insights of other religions, the institution is focused on educating leaders who can address critical issues like racial equity, criminal justice reform, income inequality, and protecting the environment. Union is led by Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, the 16th President and the first woman to head the 188-year-old seminary.
About the Law, Rights & Religion Project
LRRP is a law and policy center advancing religious freedom, pluralism, and social justice. Through scholarship, litigation support, public education, and strategic convenings, LRRP works to ensure that religious liberty protects everyone without eroding other fundamental rights.