All Faiths Welcome
Participating Organizations: Capitol Ministries; Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel; Idaho Family Policy Center; First Presbyterian Church Boise; Islamic Center of Boise; J. Reuben Clark Law Society (Boise chapter); Mormon Women for Ethical Government; MAP: the Multi-faith Action Project; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; St. Thomas More Society; You Gotta Ask
Join us for this premier event celebrating 250 years of
religious freedom in America
The mission of the Idaho Religious Freedom Alliance is to educate, advocate, and unite our community around the cause of religious freedom, a cornerstone for the peaceful coexistence of diverse religious beliefs. The event will provide a chance to hear from diverse religious leaders and legal experts in our community. We believe that by learning from one another, we can better protect individual faith.
Keynote Speaker
Hannah Smith joined the International Center for Law and Religion Studies (ICLRS) in 2023 as Associate Director, bringing extensive experience in law, policy, and religious liberty advocacy. She has dedicated her career to issues at the intersection of law and religion, with a focus on protecting freedom of conscience and strengthening understanding of religious freedom in public life.
Come to Boise's Religious Freedom Summit and Lunch
Join us for this premier event celebrating 250 years of religious freedom in America. The event will provide a chance to hear from diverse religious leaders and legal experts in our community. We believe that by learning from one another, we can better protect individual faith.
What: Idaho Religious Freedom Summit
(1.5 hrs. of CLE available for lawyers attending)
When: Friday, September 18, 2026
(9am-12pm, Summit; 12-1pm, Lunch)
Where: Idaho State Capitol, Lincoln Auditorium
Cost: Summit event, no cost; Lunch (optional), $20
Meet the Boise, Idaho Alliance
Boise Religious Freedom Chair
John Zarian
John is General Counsel of a national non-profit company. His previous legal practice emphasized intellectual property and complex business litigation. John is an experienced mediator and has taught intellectual property law and alternative dispute resolution courses as an adjunct professor at several law schools in the U.S. and abroad. He is passionate about faith as the foundation for building community and shared values.
RFAC National Coordinator
Hannah Smith
Hannah Smith serves as the National Coordinator of the Religious Freedom Alliance Council, leading the coordination of speakers and resources to support local alliance members. She has spent her career advocating for religious freedom as an attorney and on national media.
RFAC Chair
Bill Benac
As National Chairman of the Religious Freedom Alliance Council, Bill spearheads efforts to protect and promote this fundamental right nationwide.
