Delegates from 47 Countries Meet at BYU Over Religious Freedom Challenges

Nearly 150 delegates from around the world gathered in Provo, Utah, at the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University for the annual International Law and Religion Symposium, held October 5–7, 2025. This year marks the 32nd consecutive symposium. “Building Paths to Flourishing: Regional, National and International Protections of Religious Freedom” was the theme.    

Religious freedom advocates and scholars consider this one of the most significant worldwide forums for the analysis and promotion of religious freedom. Simon O’Connor, a former New Zealand member of parliament and family values advocate, joined delegates to discuss growing challenges to freedom of religion and conscience in their countries.

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O’Connor emphasized religious freedom as a cornerstone of all other rights.  “It is the right on which all other rights find their grounding, from freedom of speech to freedom of association,” he said.

O’Connor stressed that the state’s role is to safeguard — not define — fundamental rights: “The state’s role is to secure those rights, not create or disband them. Freedom exists to be exercised,” he added. But despite challenges, he has hope for the future.

Plenary sessions and working groups addressed topics such as interreligious coexistence, the protection of minorities, the relationship between religion and state, and the role of faith in the construction of more just and peaceful societies.

Pastor Martha Alejandra Ibarra Merito, of the Covenant Church in Mexico and Pastor Jorge Duarte, president of the Dominican Evangelical Confraternity in the Dominican Republic, participated in the Latin American panel, moderated by Cynthia Lange, executive director of Interreligious Forum of the Americas (FIDELA).

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Pastor Ibarra Merito talked about the challenges displaced people face and how religion can help them feel supported, healed and included while they’re far from home.  

The meeting brought together people from different backgrounds and faiths together to encourage tolerance, understanding, and global cooperation for religious freedom. 

“Religion acts as a catalytic force; it can be a symbolic, effective and sociable space that allows us to rebuild a possible world in the midst of uprooting and uncertainty,” Pastor Ibarra Merito said. 

Ibarra Merito proposed intercultural and interreligious education initiatives; the training of religious ministers in pastoral accompaniment in crisis situations (in psychological issues, for example, and trauma), and the separation of welfare work from religious proselytism.  

Eight African countries were represented at the symposium this year. Delegations from Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania presented passionately about religious freedom in their countries, while learning from their peers. 

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 “I do not have one word or even a sentence to describe my experience at the symposium. The symposium was fantastic. The facilities here are excellent. I marvel at the dedication and the passion of the center’s staff and volunteers,” said Ahmed Salisu Garba, vice chancellor of Al-Muhibbah Open University in Abuja, Nigeria.  

All delegates, representing 47 countries, had the opportunity to attend the general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah, and hear the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.  

“I was amazed at the discipline of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the general conference. This has been a wonderful experience for me. I thank BYU and the Church for the opportunity,” added Vice Chancellor Garba.