In approaching the topic of law and religion there are several ways it could be approached. One would be a highly theoretical level, looking at the very nature of both disciplines/institutions. Second, a less theoretical and technical manner, might be to look for some essential themes that have resonance with the other discipline. Third, one could investigate the nature of the integrative approaches of the two areas. While all of these are beneficial, this is not the manner of this collection. The way used here is to examine a range of contentious issues where law adjudicates the contested boundary between an allegedly secular society and public religion. The editors have added another, looking at a creative interface between the issues, the stories and the values/virtues that sustain and may heal two central disciplines/institutions of society. Contributors include the well known Australian Jesuit activist and lawyer, Frank Brennan SJ, who examines the law and same sex marriage.