Liturgical Press announced this week that it has been named the recipient of the 2025 Freedom of Spirit Award from the Fetzer Global Trust, signifying the extraordinary impact of the publishing house’s work to date, and the single largest contribution toward its Centennial Campaign. This award includes a handcrafted glass sculpture created by April Wagner of Epiphany Studios along with a generous $100,000 donation toward Liturgical Press’ fundraising effort that was created to mark 100 years of publishing in service of the Church.
Jay Fishman and Rob Lehman, administrators of the Freedom of Spirit Fund, emphasized that the Freedom of Spirit Award is given to individuals and organizations that “exemplify creativity, courage and a devotion to ideas and values that lift up the human spirit for a more loving world.
“Liturgical Press is a beacon of light to so many through their inspirational books and outreach. For one hundred years, they have helped the deep traditions meet the experience in everyday lives.”
In addition to this significant honor and gift from the Freedom of Spirit Fund, Rob and his wife, Molly, personally matched the award with a major gift of $50,000 toward the Liturgical Press Centennial Campaign.
“We are so honored to receive this recognition from the Freedom of Spirit Fund and the generous gift from Rob and Molly Lehman,” said Therese Ratliff, director of Liturgical Press. “It is a tremendous blessing to discover that our mission resonates with others who desire to promote unity, dialogue, and peace in an uncertain world. When sharing abundance is a way of life, as it is for Molly and Rob, grace can touch others in unimaginable ways.”
According to the Fund website, Jay Fishman and Rob Lehman have been nurturing the growth of the Fetzer Global Trust for the past three and half decades including the creation of the Freedom of Spirit Fund which has provided grants to institutions and individuals that embody the Freedom of Spirit. Some of these include the Abraham Lincoln Institute, Zekelman Holocaust Center, Mayo Clinic, Bill Moyers, and more.
Margaret Nuzzolese Conway, development and fundraising manager for Liturgical Press, said, “This award and gift mean so much to us at Liturgical Press, especially given Rob and Molly’s years of dedication to ideas and actions that promote a more loving world. From their support of CALL–A Symposium (Contemplative Awareness in Love and Life), to this gift and art, they are propelling our first campaign forward and lifting our spirits with light and beauty.”
To learn more about Liturgical Press’s centennial celebration and ambitious fundraising campaign, visit litpress.org/100.