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Nearly 150 delegates from 47 countries gathered at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, from October 5 to 7, 2025, for the 32nd International Law and Religion Symposium. The event, organized by the International Center for Law and Religion Studies, focused on the theme “Building Paths to Flourishing: Regional, National and International Protections of Religious Freedom.”
The symposium is considered a significant forum for analyzing and promoting religious freedom worldwide. Simon O’Connor, a former member of parliament from New Zealand and a family values advocate, addressed the gathering about the increasing challenges to freedom of religion and conscience faced in various countries.
O’Connor highlighted the foundational role of religious freedom in society. “It is the right on which all other rights find their grounding, from freedom of speech to freedom of association,” he said.
He also emphasized the role of the state in protecting rights: “The state’s role is to secure those rights, not create or disband them. Freedom exists to be exercised,” he added.
The symposium included plenary sessions and working groups that discussed interreligious coexistence, minority protections, the relationship between religion and the state, and the contribution of faith to building just and peaceful societies.
A Latin American panel featured Pastor Martha Alejandra Ibarra Merito of the Covenant Church in Mexico and Pastor Jorge Duarte, president of the Dominican Evangelical Confraternity. Cynthia Lange, executive director of the Interreligious Forum of the Americas (FIDELA), moderated the session.
Pastor Ibarra Merito addressed the challenges faced by displaced people and the supportive role of religion for those far from home. She said, “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.”
She suggested initiatives for intercultural and interreligious education, training religious ministers for pastoral support during crises—including psychological issues and trauma—and keeping welfare work separate from religious proselytism.
Eight African countries were represented at the symposium, with delegations from Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tanzania. These groups shared experiences related to religious freedom in their regions.
Ahmed Salisu Garba, vice chancellor of Al-Muhibbah Open University in Abuja, Nigeria, commented on his experience: “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.”
Delegates also attended the general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah, where they heard the 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,” said Vice Chancellor Garba.
