The legacy of Ken Starr, a distinguished lawyer and advocate for religious freedom, continues to resonate deeply within the Christian community, even after his passing in 2022. This year, Starr will be honored posthumously with the prestigious Defender of Religious Freedom Award by the Religious Freedom Institute (RFI). The award ceremony is set to take place on November 6 at the iconic Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Starr gained national recognition as a former independent counsel during the investigation of President Bill Clinton and later served as the president of Baylor University. However, his most enduring impact may well be his unwavering commitment to religious liberty. Just before his death, he authored Religious Liberty in Crisis, a book aimed at equipping Americans with a fundamental understanding of their religious rights.
David Trimble, president of the RFI, expressed heartfelt sentiments about Starr’s contributions. “Ken was not just a remarkable jurist but also a man of profound faith and a true friend,” Trimble stated. “His legacy is a powerful reminder of the importance of defending America’s first freedom.”
Starr’s dedication to religious liberty was echoed by many who knew him. Former Congressman Frank Wolf recalled their shared mission in advocating for religious freedom. “Ken was a man of deep principle and conviction,” he remarked, emphasizing that Starr’s commitment stemmed from his higher devotion to Christ. Wolf described the award as a fitting tribute to a friend whose life was dedicated to serving others.
Alan Dershowitz, a renowned legal scholar, also praised Starr, stating, “Of all the issues he faced, none were more important to him than preserving robust constitutional safeguards for religious freedom.” This sentiment was shared by former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, who noted Starr’s commitment to religious liberty throughout his career, particularly in landmark cases that upheld First Amendment rights.
Starr’s influence extended beyond the courtroom and academia. He was actively involved with organizations dedicated to religious freedom, including the Alliance Defending Freedom and the Christian Legal Society. His work with these organizations highlighted his belief that religious freedom is a fundamental right for all individuals, regardless of their faith tradition.
The Defender of Religious Freedom Award, which has been presented annually since 2019, aims to honor those who have made significant contributions to the cause of religious liberty. Starr will be the first recipient to receive this honor posthumously, a fitting recognition of his lifelong dedication to this vital cause.
Past awardees include prominent figures such as former Archbishop Charles Chaput and Russell Moore, former head of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. Each recipient embodies the spirit of advocacy for religious freedom, a cause that Starr championed with passion and integrity.
As the award ceremony approaches, the Christian community reflects on Starr’s remarkable life and the enduring impact of his work. His commitment to religious liberty serves as an inspiration for current and future generations to advocate for the rights of all individuals to practice their faith freely.
In a world where religious freedoms are increasingly challenged, Ken Starr’s legacy reminds us of the importance of standing firm in our faith and advocating for the rights of others. As we gather to honor his memory, we are called to continue the fight for religious liberty, ensuring that everyone can exercise their beliefs without fear or restriction.
For more information about the Defender of Religious Freedom Award and past recipients, visit the Religious Freedom Institute.