Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a global religious leader from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed the influential All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Freedom of Religion or Belief during a meeting at the United Kingdom Parliament (May 1).
In tackling the challenging issue of religious tolerance, Elder Christofferson was joined by Dr Daniel Mark, Chair, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, and by Margaret Galy, Head of Freedom of Religion or Belief, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The meeting was led by Jim Shannon MP who chairs the prominent Parliamentary Group.
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Mormon Apostle Elder Christofferson expressed his own faith’s desire to unite with all others of goodwill in countering oppression of religious groups. He said, “Religion or belief is fundamental to societal wellbeing. Freedom of religion benefits not only believers, but all of society, whether they know it or not. Therefore, all have an interest in protecting this freedom, whether they are believers or not.”
Elder Christofferson added, “I see three major benefits to supporting freedom of religion or belief. First, religious freedom supports and strengthens the rule of law. Second, freedom of religion or belief is foundational to other fundamental and cherished freedoms. And third, religion or belief, freely exercised, promotes civic virtue and is vital to strong, flourishing communities.”
The APPG for International Freedom of Religion or Belief aims to raise the awareness and profile of international religious freedom or belief as a human right among Parliamentarians, media, government and the public, and to increase the effectiveness of the UK’s contribution to international institutions charged with enforcing this essential human right.
The APPG’s Co-chair Baroness Elizabeth Berridge received the 2017 International Religious Liberty Award from the J Reuben Clark Law Society and the International Center for Law and Religion Studies, reflecting her many years of support and work for religious liberty.
To download the transcript of the address, please click here!