Press Release

Religion in America: Exclusive exhibit celebrating religious expression One-night-only photograph exhibit captures sacred rituals of diverse faiths including Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Native Americans

Media Contact

Ryan Colby 202-349-7219 media@becketlaw.org

Additional Information

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday Becket will host an exclusive photo exhibit, Religion in America, as part of its Canterbury Medal Gala. The one-night-only exhibit will unveil an intimate look at the diverse expressions of faith in modern American society. From daily worship routines to sacred ceremonies, the exhibit provides unique insight into the rituals of diverse faiths, including Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Native Americans, and more.

Over 30 photographs will be featured at the exhibit, including a Seventh-day Adventist baptism, a Hindu wedding, a Sioux Jingle Dance, and a Bahá’í chorus, illustrating the human longing for transcendent truth, goodness, and beauty. Each photo illustrates humanity’s impulse to seek and know a higher power, be it through song, dance, scripture, attire, or community.

“We are all born with an innate desire for transcendent truth. Every person has the right to search for truth, even if that means disagreeing with each other,” said Melinda Skea, curator of the exhibit and communications director at Becket. “This exhibit is a testament to religious freedom, which includes the freedom not only to genuinely seek truth, but to express and celebrate the truth within society as our faith calls us to.”

Becket’s annual Canterbury Medal Gala honors an individual who has demonstrated courage and commitment in the defense of religious liberty in America and around the world. This year’s medalist is Leonard Leo, an internationally recognized champion of religious liberty (watch video here).

“I have tried to dedicate my life’s work to protecting the rights of each individual to express their faith freely,” said Leonard Leo, the 2017 Canterbury Medalist. “It is vital we stand together to protect religious freedom to preserve the dignity and worth of every human being.”

The Canterbury Medal is Becket’s highest honor and draws its name from one of history’s most dramatic religious liberty stand-offs, between Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas à Becket, the law firm’s namesake, and King Henry II of England. The annual Canterbury Gala is a black-tie event held at the Pierre Hotel in New York. The Gala is attended by the world’s most distinguished religious leaders and religious liberty advocates.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Melinda Skea at media@becketlaw.org or 202-349-7224. Interviews can be arranged in English, Chinese, French, German, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

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Becket is a non-profit, public-interest law firm dedicated to protecting the free expression of all religious traditions. For over 20 years, it has defended clients of all faiths, including Buddhists, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Native Americans, Sikhs, and Zoroastrians (read more).