Conscience is the individual’s most sacred right. How do multiple belief systems benefit a pluralistic society and why should freedom of religion be a fundamental human right? Join religious leaders from diverse faith traditions in a conversation about Freedom of Worship and its role in sustaining our democracy.

Panelists will include:

Rev. Valerie Bailey Fischer
As Chaplain to Williams College, I am here with the Chaplain’s Office team for all students of all faith traditions, or no faith tradition or practitioners and thinkers who focus on the essence of being, without the use of religion. My interfaith experiences in previous positions have always been rich opportunities to grow as a person and a world citizen. These interfaith experiences have led to opportunities to respond with others to the needs of the marginalized or those in crisis.

A special concern about the rights of marginalized persons is also part of my religious experience and practice. This concern and practices related to social engagement have been balanced with an appreciation of how power and privilege can be redirected toward creating positive change in our society.

My own religious experience includes three strains of the U.S. Protestant experience: African American Pentecostal, Evangelical, and Episcopal. After college, I worked as a newspaper reporter, a campus minister and returned to journalism. Later I attended seminary and became ordained in The Episcopal Church.

Rev. Sam Smith
The Rev. Samuel J. Smith began service at St. Paul’s in August 2015. Prior to moving to Stockbridge he held several different positions: He served St. Michael’s Church on the Upper West Side of Manhattan as its Assistant Priest; he was the Director of Programs for Episcopal Charities, the outreach arm of the Diocese of New York; he served as Interim Priest at Holy Trinity Church in the Inwood neighborhood of Manhattan; and he was an assisting priest at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine.

A native of Texas, Sam is the son of a United Methodist Pastor. Before beginning his vocation in the Church he worked in professional opera for 17 years, primarily in the areas of administration and communications. He holds degrees from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX (a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance), Indiana University (a master’s degree in Stage Direction for Opera) and General Theological Seminary (a Master of Divinity Degree). While at General, Sam served as the Seminary’s Chief Sacristan; he also received the Seminary’s top prize for excellence in preaching.

Sam lives in Stockbridge with his husband, Don and their Scottish Terrier. Sam and Don are avid theater-goers, and enjoy all kinds of culture, as well as reading, long walks, and exploration of the Berkshires.

About this Series:
Join illustrators, authors, and scholars for this series of programs in conversation about historical and contemporary notions of freedom, and the role of imagery to shape public perception, decision-making, and cultural narratives. Each event will explore a different aspect of aspirational ideals that Americans continue to work towards within the framework of democracy.

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