News & Events

On 10 April 2025, we launched the Centre for Law, Religion and Society at the University of Galway. The main event of the launch was a conversation between Professor Mary McAleese, former president of Ireland, and Professor Roja Fazaeli,  director of the Centre. The subject of the conversation was Building Bridges? A Conversation on Law and Religion in Contemporary Society.  

Professor McAleese spoke of her experience growing up in a divided society amidst the sectarian violence of the Troubles and how she has dedicated her life and career to building bridges between different communities on the island of Ireland. Professor Fazaeli enquired about Professor McAleese’s studies of canon law with a focus on children’s rights following on from the presidency, and there was extended discussion of how those studies have influenced her continued rights-based work. There was also consideration of the many ways that the Centre will advance research around law, religion, and society in relation to practices of advocacy and activism.

The launch was attended by the Interim President of the University of Galway, Professor Peter McHugh; the Executive Dean of College of Business, Public Policy & Law, Professor Alma McCarthy, and the Dean of the University of Galway School of Law, Professor Martin Hogg, each of whom also offered  meaningful remarks on the occasion.