ULusófona on the International Stage of Religion and Law Studies

The Lecturer, Dr Jorge Botelho Moniz from Lusófona University and LusoGlobe participated in the prestigious 33rd Annual International Law and Religion Symposium, organised by Brigham Young University Law School (Provo, Utah, USA).

This event, which has brought together global leaders, academics and policymakers since 1994, focused in 2026 on the theme: "Building an Infrastructure for Freedom of Religion or Belief".

On 6 October, Lusófona University was represented on the "Religion and the State" panel, joining a high-level international discussion featuring Brett Scharffs (Chair), Director of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies (BYU Law School); Chae Young Kim from Sogang University (South Korea); Jean Marques Regina, Vice-President of the Brazilian Institute of Law and Religion; and Jorge Botelho Moniz from Lusófona University and LusoGlobe.

The discussion focused on the latest research into the concept of 'blocpolitik', a theoretical framework examining how contemporary powers instrumentalise the sacred as a structural component of the new multipolar order, mobilising "sacred capital" to strengthen sovereignty and spheres of influence. This prompted an in-depth reflection on the intersections between modern geopolitics, secularism, and emerging systemic and spiritual divisions at a global level.