Church Honours Representatives from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

On June 3, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted a reception honouring Dr Katrina Lantos Swett, Chair, and Ambassador Jackie Wolcott, current Executive Director, of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Among the attendees at the evening’s event were diplomats, members of the European Parliament, representatives from the European Commission, churches, civil society and other distinguished guests.

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a long history of advocating for the fundamental right of freedom of religion or belief. In fact, one of the Articles of Faith addresses this specifically. I think in the coming years the Church will be a force of good in the cross-denominational efforts in defending and advancing this critical human right," said Dr Swett on the Church’s commitment to religious freedom.

“It was an honour for our office, along with friends and partners who joined us tonight, to recognize and congratulate Dr Swett and Ambassador Wolcott, for their stellar individual commitment to and the work of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom to support the universal right to freedom of religion or belief,” said Francesco Di Lillo, Head of the Church’s office in Brussels.

Earlier in the day, Dr Swett spoke at an event within the European Parliament for the launch of the Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Religious Tolerance’s first annual report on the “State of Freedom of Religion or Belief.”

With its European headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, the Church is strongly committed to work with the European Union institutions on issues related to Faith, Family and Freedom of religion or belief, to promote and secure the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ for all people in Europe and internationally. The European Union Office of the Church in Brussels seeks opportunities to serve the European community through its political and institutional bodies, and by partnering with international NGOs, churches and civil society.