Students of the M.A. in Human Rights program had the unique opportunity to meet with Piero Tozzi, Republican Staff Director, and Tom Lantos of the Human Rights Commission. Together, they discussed how it is possible to be a voice for the voiceless while working on the Capitol.

In her biweekly column, Professor Silecchia reflects upon all of the (extra)ordinary moments yet to come in this new year. Each small gesture, though only an instant, can have an unforeseen impact on those around us.

Professor Silecchia reflects on a painting that she had never noticed - until it caught the eye of a toddler in her family. From that moment, she began to appreciate the tremendous message in this particular depiction of the Madonna and Christ Child.

Professor Jay W. Richards, Ph.D. addresses Christians' relationship and history with fasting, both for religious and health reasons. He introduces his new book as a work that fills a void in fasting literature, covering fasting's benefits to body and soul.

On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly announced and adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  The Declaration, adopted unanimously, states certain rights that must be respected, among them the right to life, the right to religious freedom, and the right to marry and found a family.   It is a remarkable achievement, reflecting a consensus among the diverse collection of nations that make up the UN, nations that hardly ever agree on anything. But they agreed this time.  Why? 

Students had the opportunity to hear Rev. Dr. Andrew P.W. Bennett, Director of the Cardus Religious Freedom Institute, on topics ranging from his personal and professional experiences to the decline of Catholicism in Quebec as well as the rise of French-style laïcité in the province, and how that is used to discriminate against Catholics as well as Muslims.

As we look towards Christmas, Professor Silecchia reminds us that the holidays can be a time of sorrow for some. She sheds light on how Advent is actually a fitting time for remembering sorrow and fostering hope.

Saint Josephine Bakhita is the patron saint of the M.A. program because of her fight for freedom and human rights. In the following article, a student reflects on her inclusion in an exhibit at the Museum of the Bible that features those who fought for justice against slavery.

Students recently had the opportunity to meet with Robert George for an enriching discussion about his professional history as well as a whole range of issues including consensus between people with different belief systems; the importance of dialogue; and international efforts to protect human rights.

Students in the Masters of Arts in Human Rights program had the opportunity to meet with Fr. Charles Kitima about the geopolitical situation in Tanzania, particularly the protection of human rights and the role of religious populations within the country's history.

The Supreme Court has decided to hear a case with significant implications regarding the powers of the presidency. The case, "Seila Law LLC v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau," concerns the power of the president to remove the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

The salient facts are straightforward...

Having aided in the campaign to block pornography on The Catholic University of America’s campus network, I was surprised to find a non-profit dedicated to exactly that. The work NOSCE does is a benefit for all of society and its staff should receive much praise for their accomplishments. They have successfully gotten billion-dollar companies to remove pornographic content from their platforms...

Years ago, a child in my family asked, "If a Church is God’s house, is a cemetery God’s garden?" I lack the theologically correct answer. Yet, that question recognized what I know is true: there is something profoundly sacred about the land where we lay our loved ones to rest.

While pursuing her M.A. in Human Rights, Abigail Wilkinson has had an extraordinary opportunity: to gain wisdom from human rights activist Chen Guangcheng. She is helping him improve his English language skills, which will, in turn, enable him to more effectively share his experiences in China. In the following blog, she writes about this enriching experience.

"Modern government", asserts IHE Fellow Andrew Yuengert, "is a collaboration between "politicians" and "technocrats." Yuengert's article in Public Discourse discusses the supposed objectivity of this collaboration and how we can engage in healthier political debates, informed by the knowledge that most data is not politically neutral.