Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

The Denise and Michael Mattone Center for Law and Religion at St. John's Law School has launched a YouTube channel, offering a variety of content including podcast episodes, panel discussions, interviews with Center Director Mark Movsesian, and event highlights. A new video series titled "Landmark Cases in Religious Freedom" is also featured.

Professor Movsesian commented on the launch: “This platform allows the Mattone Center for Law and Religion to reach a broader audience. YouTube is a primary source of news and information for millions of people around the world. We aim to offer that global viewership clear explanations of U.S. Supreme Court decisions as well as other content on the relationship between law and religion in a pluralistic society.”

The "Landmark Cases in Religious Freedom" series examines pivotal court decisions involving law and religion conflicts. Each animated episode provides historical context, explains key legal arguments, court decisions, and analyzes their societal impact.

The first episode, “People v. Philips: An Early Case About Free Exercise,” explores an early New York precedent on priest-penitent privilege. It has already garnered over 30,000 views. Professor Movsesian noted the positive reception: “The audience response to this first episode shows we’re addressing a real need. People want to understand how courts balance legal principles and religious faith."

The Center's online presence includes the Law and Religion Forum blog, Legal Spirits podcast, and an active LinkedIn page. These platforms support the Law School’s mission to foster dialogue on important legal issues.

Law School Dean Jelani Jefferson Exum remarked: “Since its inception, the Mattone Center for Law and Religion has brought St. John’s Law students and alumni together with leading scholars and practitioners to explore important legal topics... With its new YouTube channel, the Center is harnessing the power of social media to inform and educate the general public.”

Established in 2010, the Mattone Center provides a forum for studying law and religion from various perspectives while coordinating related academic programs at St. John's Law School.