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During a weeklong ministry in the United Kingdom, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles engaged with senior faith and education leaders to emphasize the nation's role in defending and promoting freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). Elder Cook attended gatherings at the University of Oxford and the Coptic Orthodox Church in London, which highlighted the U.K.'s contribution to religious liberty.
Accompanied by his wife Mary, Elder Michael T. Ringwood of the Presidency of the Seventy, and Elder Alan T. Phillips of the Europe North Area Presidency, Elder Cook met with prominent leaders dedicated to protecting FoRB. These events align with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' commitment to this human right.
At Regent's Park College, part of Oxford University, on May 29, a reception included Sir Malcolm Evans and Baroness Elizabeth Berridge among others. "One of our purposes in coming here was to give personal thanks," said Elder Cook. He noted that from 1837 to 1850 more members joined their church in England than in America.
Sir Malcolm Evans commented on hearing about historic connections: "It was a real privilege and pleasure." The event also acknowledged Britain's contributions from historical documents like Magna Carta and King James Bible that have supported religious freedoms.
In London on May 28 at the Coptic Orthodox Church hosted by Archbishop Anba Angaelos, discussions centered around FoRB as both a fundamental human right and humanitarian concern. "It is important we learn to disagree better," said Elder Cook about encouraging civility.
Participants included Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, Rabbi Elchonon Feldman, representatives from various communities such as Ahmadiyya Muslim and Baha’i along with Elders Ringwood and Phillips who participated too. Archbishop Angaelos stressed unity: "We have an incredible FoRB network... only working together can ever reach any step forward."
Matthew Jones moderated discussions highlighting how faiths could unite towards common goals despite global challenges related to FoRB: “The hope I get from this is that there is a possibility for faiths to have common aims.”
The Church itself has faced persecution but remains committed through collaborations globally while honoring U.K.'s legacy ensuring these rights endure universally for all.
