The Hope Event

Kyampisi Childcare Ministries (KCM) hosted the “Hope Event,” an awareness event for child sacrifice in Uganda, on August 24, 2018. The event was a gala held to bring together different groups and individuals to learn about real stories of child sacrifice and garner public support to encourage the momentum to see a bill adopted by Parliament that would address the issue head-on. 

The event is named after a little girl, Hope, who survived one-and-a-half years on a shrine while her body parts and blood were continuously harvested for ritual sacrifice purposes.

The event was attended by hundreds of individuals including university students and faculty members, Members of Parliament (MPs), attorneys, musical and visual artists, pastors, NGO representatives, foreign embassy officials and members of the general public. 

The Kyampisi Children’s Choir gave a thrilling performance involving lively music, intricate dance moves, and vibrant costumes. Testimonials were provided by families of child sacrifice survivors of the horrors of the children’s attacks and the recovery process following the incidents. Short videos were streamed of KCM’s work and case background stories. Speeches were given by Seth Miller, Outgoing Political Officer with the US Embassy, Rodney Callanan, Founder of Droplets in a Stream, and Justice Mike Chibita, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Everyone in attendance came with a singular focus: to learn what can be done to bring an end to the tragedy of child sacrifice. Attendees were educated on the magnitude of child sacrifice in Uganda and various ways to combat it. Numerous appeals were made to the MPs present to continue the work of drafting the child sacrifice bill presented last November.

One segment of the night was set apart for presenting various individuals and groups with awards for their efforts to combat child sacrifice and advocate for victims, survivors, and their families. Chelsea Mack, Regent Law Center for Global Justice fellow (pictured below), was presented with one of these awards recognizing her work for the past year with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and KCM.

The Center for Global Justice recently established its fellowship program in the fall of 2017. This program allows recent law graduates to work with NGOs and foreign governments to combat injustice and advocate for the basic rights of the poor and oppressed. Currently, all fellows work in Uganda, either with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions or International Justice Mission.

For the past four years, the Center has sent law students to intern with the DPP during the summer. The main focus of these internships has been child sacrifice. Moreover, throughout the school year, Center for Global Justice student staff members have contributed to the fight against child sacrifice by working on research projects for KCM and the DPP. 

During his speech, Justice Chibita gave ample recognition to Regent Law and the Center for Global Justice for its continual commitment to fighting child sacrifice. Specific recognition was given to former Center for Global Justice summer interns Debbie Stieglitz, Shannon Fields, and Moriah Schmidt, who worked diligently on Hope’s case with Ugandan prosecutors during their internship. In attendance for this event were Regent fellows Pam Dodge, Gloria Dandridge, and Chelsea Mack (pictured below L to R).

The event concluded with the launch of an art exhibition, the Hope Exhibition, created by Ugandan and Australian artists centered around the theme of child sacrifice. The Hope exhibition will be displayed at the Ugandan Parliament throughout the month of September. To view digital images of the Hope Exhibition, please visit https://www.hopeexhibition.org/.             

Cross & Gavel Interviews CGJ Executive Director Jeffrey Brauch

CGJ Executive Director Jeffrey A. Brauch was recently interviewed by Cross & Gavel host Mike Schutt on the topic of "Knowing What it Means to Be Human." (Listen to the podcast at the bottom of this post.)

Law professor Jeff Brauch argues that our beliefs about human nature will drive our politics, our policy, and our culture. In his recent book, Flawed Perfection: What It Means to Be Human and Why It Matters for Culture, Politics, and Law (2017), he lays out a compelling case for the importance of an accurate understanding of human nature.

He begins with the idea that our fundamental presuppositions about the nature of human beings will drive how we approach almost anything in the public sphere. From there, he provides examples from the fields of human rights, criminal justice, and bioethics, to name a few.

Join Professor Brauch, Executive Director of Regent Law School's Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law, as he and host Mike Schutt discuss this important topic.

Download this Episode

The CGJ Welcomes Mike Donnelly, Director of Global Outreach for the Home School Legal Defense Association

On November 6, the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law (CGJ) had the privilege of hosting Mike Donnelly, Staff Attorney and Director of Global Outreach at Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA).

Donnelly coordinates support of parental rights and homeschooling freedom around the world, including in cases before the European Court of Human Rights. During his talk at Regent Law, he explored ideas and theories of international human rights laws, rule of law, and globalization in the practical context of his human rights litigation.

Donnelly recently wrote a paper, “Democracy and Sovereignty vs. International Human Rights: Reconciling the Irreconcilable?” He used this paper as a context to discuss case studies related to parental rights and homeschooling, including Wunderlich v. Germany, the story of a homeschooling family whose children were taken from them because they homeschooled. The case is pending before the court and will have a major impact on human rights and homeschooling in Europe and the World.

Students were educated and challenged to think about the international human rights movement and the conflict between rights and democracy.

Center Executive Director, Jeffrey Brauch, commented: "It was a joy to have Mike Donnelly with us. In addition to talking about home schooling rights, he challenged our students about the need for to find a firm and universal foundation for all of human rights. We look forward to working with him in the months and years to come."

CGJ Welcomes Julie and Allen Anjo

On September 19, the Center for Global Justice welcomed guest speakers Julie and Allen Anjo, General Counsel for YMAM.  The Anjos have close connections with Regent Law: Julie worked in the Regent Law Admissions department and Allen is a Regent Law and Government grad (’13), and the Anjos often host Center for Global Justice summer interns.

Allen and Julie Anjo (and their children) with (L to R) Professor Jeffrey Brauch and CGJ Law Staff Members
Anna Colby, Moriah Schmidt, Lorri Ann Drazan, Courtney Know, and Destinee Easley

The Anjos spoke to the group on their mission of bringing justice for the least of these and how they live it out day-to-day through the General Counsel’s office at the University of the Nations Kona (UNK) (a ministry of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Kona).

Julie spoke of how she was drawn to law school after seeing problems that she could not fix as a layperson. As General Counsel for a non-profit missionary organization, they are making a huge difference by keeping the organization compliant with legal standards and policies, among other things.

Center for Global Justice intern Moriah Schmidt was especially excited to welcome the Anjos. Moriah interned for the Anjos this summer at the UNK General Counsel’s office, in Kona, Hawaii. “I can’t tell you just how encouraging it is to hear that the work we are doing in law school really does matter,” said Moriah. “It’s so easy to lose sight of that while drowning in 1L Contracts and Property law, or sinking in the work that piles on during 2L and 3L year. Some of us (like myself) were drawn to law to help those who are needy, the oppressed, the poor, but find it much harder to visualize how we are going to act on it.”

Read Allen’s profile story at http://bit.ly/allenanjo.

The Center for Global Justice Launches New Fellowship Program

The Center for Global Justice is excited to announce the launch of its fellowship program. Through this program, two Regent Law graduates will be employed for one year with one of the Center’s partner organizations. This year, Pam Dodge and Chelsea Mack, former Center for Global Justice Law Clerks and interns, will work in Uganda.

Chelsea (L) and Pam (R)

Pam started her fellowship with the International Justice Mission in August. Pam will assist IJM in its work to protect widows from having their property stolen, protecting women from domestic violence, and building a just and fair legal system so that the rights of all people are protected.

Chelsea starts her fellowship on September 4th with the Uganda Directorate of Public Prosecutions (the equivalent of our Attorney General). Chelsea will be assisting the DPP in prosecuting cases of child sacrifice, thinking about how to create a juvenile division, and reviewing the relatively new plea bargaining initiative, which Prof. Jim Gash helped to implement. The plea bargaining initiative has been directly responsible for ensuring that children do not languish in prison beyond the terms of their sentences. Chelsea will review the initiative to ensure it is running effectively and make recommendations on how to improve it.

The Center is very excited to see the fruit of this program. With these fellows, we will now be providing year-round support to IJM and the Uganda DPP through Student Staff projects, summer internships, and now year-long fellowships. Please pray for our students and consider giving to support their great work!

When Bob Goff Came to Campus

The following blog post, written by CGJ student staff member Moriah Schmidt, is about Bob Goff's visit to Regent University.  Bob spoke to Regent Law and Government students during an afternoon session, met with the Center for Global Justice student staff, then spoke at the University chapel about his work rescuing children from injustices in Uganda, Somalia, and Iraq.

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He stepped to the front with a grin, hugging Professor Brauch with enthusiasm: “I don’t shake hands, I hug!”

That was my first introduction to Bob Goff in person. He is a lawyer, an entrepreneur, a sought-after speaker, a writer, but most importantly, a strong follower of Christ and a leader, not a follower. Bob Goff is not a person to wait on the sidelines for someone to tell him “Go!” He sees a need, and he goes out to meet it.

Moriah with Bob Goff

The Regent School of Law and School of Government students were privileged to hear from Bob Goff in a smaller setting on Friday, February 3^rd before his evening service, which was open to the public. He challenged us to move to higher ground in our interactions with others, our careers and how we live out our Christian faith in every aspect of our lives and, most importantly, in how we treat others. He introduced some unique ways of showing love and humility.

First was the cake pops. If he runs into someone who he has trouble getting along with or understanding in some capacity, he doesn’t let that stop him from befriending that individual; rather, he mails them a cake pop. On the other side of the spectrum, he may “duck” a person; that is, send them a few ducklings via the United States Postal Service. That may be an extreme way of being intentional about relationships, but it works for Bob!

But the part of the talk that both convicted and challenged me was his reminder to “read your own paper,” or look at your own target. Especially in law school, it is far too easy to look at what everyone else is doing and compare yourself to them. It’s easy to question whether you should be doing more or acting like so-and-so. But God has called us each individually and has gifted us in capacities that are distinguished from anyone else. Sometimes we need that reminder to step back and look only at God, not anyone else, cutting off distractions and realizing what God has given us and how he has called us individually. This means, often, doing what seems impossible or things that have never been done before. 

God wants us to be ready and willing. We simply respond and say “I’m here, God” and let God guide us to the rest. Bob Goff’s interactions with world leaders, ambassadors, and his connections worldwide show the importance of relationships and being available. He has gifted Bob with this relational aspect that allows Bob to travel to places and survive

As Bob spoke of the gospel message, “It’s not easy, but it’s simple,” the same is true for pursuing the path God has called us to.

Talking with Former Attorney General John Ashcroft Before Lunch

CGJ Executive Director Jeffrey A. Brauch, and his wife, Becky

CGJ Academic & Administrative Director S. Ernie Walton

CGJ Student Staff

CGJ Director Ernie Walton Attends Abortion Report Launch Today

Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law administrative director, Ernie Walton, is on his way to attend this Noon event.

Click the link to attend the live webcast today: http://www.frc.org/events/abortion-worldwide-report-100-countries-1-century-1-billion-babies.

Abortion Worldwide Report: 100 Countries, 1 Century, 1 Billion Babies

Report launch event hosted by Family Research Council and Global Life Campaign

Abortion was first authorized in 1920 by the former U.S.S.R., and is currently authorized, partly or fully, by 136 nations, but the 60 nations still prohibiting abortion face relentless international pressure to permit abortion without restriction. We now have nearly a century of evidence documenting what happens when governments authorize abortion: it does not become rare, but increases exponentially. Indeed, in less than one century, abortion has become the Greatest Genocide ever, far surpassing all wars and democides combined. The Abortion Worldwide Report is the first to systematically track reported abortions in 100 nations, territories and regions, from the year of authorization through 2015. The Report contains 4,915 country years of data, major findings, country abortion graphs showing the impact of authorization, world maps, and a policy table for 196 nations. The principal authors are Wm. Robert Johnston, Ph.D., and Thomas W. Jacobson, M.A., who compiled the data and information in the Report over the last 32 and 14 years respectively.

Come join experts from Human Life International, Global Life Campaign, Charlotte Lozier Institute, Regent University, and Family Research Council, as they unpack the groundbreaking findings of this Report.

Arina O. Grossu, M.A., is the Director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council, where she focuses on sanctity of human life issues ranging from conception to natural death.

Fr. Shenan J. Boquet is the President of Human Life International (HLI). He has traveled around the world spreading the Gospel of Life. Father Boquet is a priest of the Houma-Thibodaux Roman Catholic Diocese in Louisiana, his home state, where he served before joining Human Life International in August 2011.

Charles A. "Chuck" Donovan is the President of the Charlotte Lozier Institute (CLI). He served as Legislative Director of the National Right to Life Committee more than three decades ago, worked as a writer for President Reagan, helped to lead the Family Research Council for nearly two decades and most recently has been Senior Research Fellow in Religion and Civil Society at The Heritage Foundation. Donovan has played key roles in the development of public policy regarding public financing of abortion, compassionate alternatives to abortion, the child tax credit, marriage penalty relief, and rights of conscience. Donovan earned a B.A. in English at the University of Notre Dame. He and his wife Meg reside in Virginia. They have two daughters and two sons.

Brian Clowes, Ph.D., is the Director of Education and Research at Human Life International (HLI). He is a graduate of West Point, a former A-Team leader for the Army Special Forces ("Green Berets"), and holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and Systems Science. Since 1995, he has been HLI's Director of Research, and is one of the most accomplished and respected intellectuals in the international pro-life movement. Best known as author of the most exhaustive pro-life informational resource volume The Facts of Life, and for his Pro-Life Basic Training Course, Dr. Clowes is the author of nine books, over 90 scholarly and popular articles, and has traveled to 50 countries on six continents as a pro-life speaker, educator and trainer. He and his wife, Kathleen, have seven children.

Thomas W. Jacobson, M.A., is the Executive Director of the Global Life Campaign (www.GlobalLifeCampaign.com). From 2001-2010, he served as Representative to the United Nations for Focus on the Family, meeting with ambassadors, diplomats, and officials from 110 nations, and authoring 80 policy briefs. In 2002, he began compiling abortion data on countries and created one of the two databases from which he and Dr. Johnston teamed up to create this Report. Jacobson earned a M.A. in Public Policy from Regent University, a B.A. in Psychology from George Fox College, and a diploma in Biblical Studies from Lutheran Bible Institute. He lived in Brazil for four years, and has traveled to many nations, including meeting with government officials in 18 nations. He has two sons.

Ernie Walton, J.D., is the Academic & Administrative Director of the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, & the Rule of Law, based in the School of Law at Regent University. He earned his J.D., summa cum laude, from the same school, where he serves as a lecturer, specializing in human rights, international law, and national security law. He earned his B.S. at Houghton College in Business Administration/Economics, magna cum laude.

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Why Religiously Affiliated Law Schools Should be Deeply and Proactively Engaged with the #BlackLivesMatter Movement

The following blog post is written by CGJ student staff member Courtney Marasigan, who attended Regent Law's recent RALS Conference.

On September 30, 2016, Regent Law faculty hosted the biennial Conference of Religiously Affiliated Law Schools. As a student, it was a privilege to attend and hear professors grapple with contentious topics from a religious perspective. I found Dean Robert Vischer’s talk most enthralling. Dean Vischer, of St. Thomas University, presented about “Institutional Engagement & Institutional Mission – Why Religiously Affiliated Law Schools Should be Deeply and Proactively Engaged with the #BlackLivesMatter Movement” as part of the Pursuing Global Justice panel.

Dean Robert Vischer

He asserted that religiously affiliated law schools are best equipped—due to our theology and moral formation—to address the ongoing protests and racial unrest plaguing the nation. As powerful as this notion is, his responses during the Q&A following his presentation struck me even more. One attendee asked Dean Vischer how to handle conversations discussing racial injustice when the other person in the conversation brings up high profile cases that, based on a strictly rational view of the facts in that case alone, may not be legitimate.

Dean Vischer began his response by appealing to the tendency of our legal minds to jump to rational analyses in any given situation. It is true that it might not make sense to talk about individual landmark cases juxtaposed to smaller cases with completely different sets of facts. However, Dean Vischer reminded us that these events and the Black Lives Matter movement as a whole have a deeper, emotional level to them that surpasses mere reason. Thus, Dean Vischer exhorted attendees to remember that a person’s response to these events is not just about the events themselves. Instead, there’s a much “longer, broader, messier history” at play that underlies the Black Lives Matter movement that a large portion of America simply does not want to acknowledge or deal with.

In order to become involved in the movement, Dean Vischer explained that a 10,000-foot view cannot be our primary experience. Instead, we must make deliberate decisions to step outside of our comfort zones, “and stay out.” Even if we choose not to attend protests, we can simply reach out and listen to an individual’s story to better appreciate the underlying frustrations underlying the entire movement. Moreover, being cognizant of our rational tendencies will facilitate our ability to empathize on a one-on-one basis.

I am grateful that Dean Vischer tackled this topic and shared his personal experiences with us. If we, as one human race, are to affect any social change, we must first work to understand each other.

This post was written by a Center for Global Justice student staff member.  The views expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect those of Regent University, Regent Law School, or the Center for Global Justice. 

Center for Global Justice Featured on G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice Roundtable

G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice presents amonthly What is Justice? Roundtable. This month, the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and Rule of Law was featured, including Executive Director Jeffrey Brauch, Academic & Administrative Director Ernie Walton, and Graduate Assistant Chelsea Mack.

Center for Global Justice Starts Academic Year Under New Leadership

As some of you may already know, Jeff Brauch, one of the founders of the Center for Global Justice and current Regent Law Professor, has assumed the role of Executive Director of the Center.  We are very excited to have Professor Brauch at the helm.  He is an incredible legal scholar, a true servant leader, and, most importantly, he has a deep love for the poor and the oppressed.   

You may be wondering, then, what happened to Professor Stern, our former Executive Director. Prof. Stern, while still a Professor at Regent Law, decided to step down from his role as Executive Director of the Center.  But as the Lord was leading Prof. Stern to step down, he was leading Prof. Brauch to step in.  Although we will certainly miss Prof. Stern, we are incredibly grateful for his service.  Prof. Stern was instrumental in furthering our East Africa Initiative and making advancing the rule of law the foundation of the Center’s work.  To read one of Prof. Stern’s articles on this exact point, go here. 

Please also congratulate Ernie Walton on his promotion to the position of Academic and Administrative Director of the Center for Global Justice and to the position of Lecturer.  In addition to his expanded role with the Center, Professor Walton will be teaching four classes in the School of Law this year.

CGJ Student Staff Participate in Regent Law's Community Service Day

On Saturday, August 20, 2016, Regent Law students, faculty, and alumni joined together for the 8th Annual Community Service Day.

Several Center for Global Justice student staff members joined the group in reaching out to the local community including the Union Mission and the Bridge Christian Fellowship. A pizza party will followed at Regent University School of Law.

Volunteers sorted and distributed clothing, food items, and did yard work.

"I had a thoroughly enjoyable time serving Union Mission Ministries!" said one student staff member.  "The four hours spent weeding under the bright sun sped by because I was able to bond with new students and professors alike."

"The Community Service Day was an awesome opportunity to serve our fellow brothers and sisters while also meeting new classmates," said another staff member.

WVEC, a local television news station arrived at Union Mission and took some footage.    You can view the clip (from marker 6:16-7:36) below:

Abortion in the Dominican Republic

The Constitutional Tribunal of the Dominican Republic recently overturned a pro-abortion law, holding that the law violated article 37 of the constitution, which guarantees the right to life as inviolable from conception to death.

The Center for Global Justice student staff helped draft and edit a paper that strongly argued against the law and explained why the Dominican Republic should continue to uphold life. The effort was led by the Global Life Campaign. The paper was sent to the President of the DR, other government leaders, and various pastors.

Read the “24 Reasons” briefing paper below:

Read more about the Center for Global Justice's work to protect children >

Center for Global Justice Featured in Impact Newsletter

This month's Impact features the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law's (CGJ) internship grant program.

CGJ offers one of the university’s most-high profile summer programs. Their interns don’t just observe. Each was fully engaged and fully prepared for legal (and spiritual) battles to combat human trafficking, advance the rule of law, protect children, secure religious freedom, and tackle other related human-rights issues.

The article highlights interns Daniel Tirle, Christy and Palmer Hurst, Courtney Marasigan, Joseph Kohm III, and Natasha Delille,

Read this month's Impact:

Administrative Director Ernie Walton Interviewed by CBN News

Ernie Walton, administrative director for Regent University's Center for Global Justice, was interviewed by CBN News regarding recent anti-trafficking legislation in Virginia.






Read the full story on CBN News here.

Center for Global Justice Attends Kids are Not for Sale Press Conference

Photo courtesy of Kids Are Not for Sale

Yesterday Virginian Assemblyman and the Kids Are Not for Sale in Virginia (KANFS) Coalition held a press conference regarding a stand-alone sex trafficking bill.

Virginia Delegate Timothy Hugo and Senator Mark Obenshain introduced HB 1964 (Hugo) and SB 1188 (Obenshain).  If passed, this bill will be a vital tool for Virginia prosecutors, law enforcement, and advocacy groups. Not only does the bill clearly define the offense of sex trafficking, it provides critical protections for minor victims by eliminating the requirement to prove force, fraud, or coercion and by establishing mandatory minimum sentences.

Virginia is the only state in the nation without a stand-alone human trafficking law. Ernie Walton, Administrative Director of the Center for Global Justice, attended yesterday's press conference. Walton stated,

As a Virginian and a lawyer, I am proud that my state legislature does not simply follow the political sentiments of the day and pass new statutes just because an issue is trending across the country. Passing redundant statutes restricts freedom and creates serious legal problems. But sex trafficking—as we now understand the crime—is not adequately addressed by the Virginia Code, and failing to address the issue head-on only contributes to the enslavement of the victims in our state. Sex trafficking must be addressed with its own comprehensive statute, and this bill finally does that. Accordingly, I applaud our lawmakers for considering this piece of legislation and urge them to take the final step and pass it.

The Center for Global Justice is a member of the Kids are Not for Sale Coalition, which is a collective effort between Virginia law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocacy groups to advocate for the passage and enactment of a sex trafficking statute, filling a key gap in Virginia’s response to sex trafficking.

The Center Student Staff is supporting the Coalition with legal research, seeking to provide answers to potential objections of Assemblyman when the bill is in committee. Next week, the bill will likely be up in the Criminal Law Subcommittee and potentially the Courts of Justice Full Committee.


Below is some recent media coverage the press conference on HB 1964 / SB1188:

• NBC 29 Charlottesville
• ABC 8 Richmond
• CBS 6 Richmond
• PilotOnline.com

Interns Featured in the Washington Times

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell speaks with representatives from the Richmond Justice Initiative, including (from left) Nicole LeBoeuf, a Regent Law intern, Tran Doan, an administrative volunteer, and Marie Krouse, a Regent Law intern, at the signing of sex trafficking legislation Tuesday. (Barbara L. Salisbury/The Washington Times)

Click here for more information on this story and the new Virginia trafficking law recently signed by Regent alum and now Governor Robert F. McDonnell.