Today, the Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy (CRCD), an initiative of First Liberty Institute, launches a national index evaluating religious freedom in all 50 states.

The Religious Liberty in the States academic index, which debuts at George Washington University today, compares and ranks legal safeguards for religious freedom across the entire United States.

Watch the Official Religious Liberty in the States Launch Event Live at 11:00am ET

Never before has this type of national empirical data been collected to take a pulse of the legal standing of religious freedom in America. It encompasses safeguards in individual state law, both in statute and constitution, and explores legally protected religious expression and activity.

The top three states are Mississippi in first place, followed by Illinois and New Mexico. The bottom three states are New York, West Virginia and California trailing in last place.

This event is co-sponsored with the Loeb Institute and covers an overview of the project, an unveiling of the states’ rankings, and a panel discussion. Speakers include Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO of First Liberty, Dr. Sarah Estelle of Hope College, the Director of the Religious Liberty in the States project, Dr. Jordan Ballor, Director of Research at the CRCD, and Dr. Samuel Goldman, Director of the Loeb Institute.

The Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy envisions democratic societies which affirm the essential role of religious convictions, peoples and institutions in cultivating free and flourishing communities.

The CRCD creates and promotes high-quality scholarship centered on religion, culture and democracy. Its publications, programs and resources affirm the importance of religion as a public good for strengthening social bonds and reinforcing foundational freedoms.

Watch Today's Livestream Event