Dr Marcin Olszówka from the College of Legal Sciences in Lublin of the Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School took part in the 23rd National Symposium on Law and Religion, combined with the Meeting of Chairs, Departments and Lecturers of Law and Religion, held in Częstochowa on 21–23 May 2026.

The event was organized by Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, which is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, together with the Polish Society of Law and Religion. The Symposium is recognized as the most important annual academic conference devoted to law and religion in Poland.

More than 60 scholars and experts from academic institutions across the country participated in this year’s edition. The leading theme of the Symposium was “Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion in the Face of New Challenges.”

The conference programme covered a broad range of issues related to the protection of freedom of conscience and religion. Topics discussed included the autonomy of religious organizations, the right to conscientious objection, the impact of digital transformation on religious freedom, and contemporary challenges concerning security, education, the functioning of religious communities, and the protection of individual rights.

Dr Olszówka presented a paper entitled “On the Need for Criminal Law Protection of Religious Freedom” during a session devoted to the relationship between religious freedom and contemporary security challenges. His presentation focused on the role of criminal law in safeguarding religious freedom and addressed current legal and social issues related to its protection.

The participation of a representative of the Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School in this prestigious national academic forum reflects the University’s active engagement in research on law and religion as well as on the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.