Religious freedom discussion

Tom Venzor, executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference (NCC), speaks during a panel discussion on religious liberty at Christ the King Church in Omaha. He said the state should have a compelling interest, such as public safety, to justify interfering with actions based on sincerely held religious beliefs. The June 26 event focused on current threats to religious freedom in the United States. Also participating were, from left, Matt Heffron, attorney with the Thomas More Society; Deacon Tim McNeil, chancellor for the archdiocese; and Martin Cannon, Thomas More Society attorney. The Thomas More Society, a nonprofit, national public interest law firm supporting life, family and religious liberty, with an office in Omaha, cosponsored the event with the NCC to mark Religious Freedom Week (formerly Fortnight for Freedom) June 22-29. MIKE MAY/STAFF