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Leaders from governments, civil society, and various faiths convened at Prague Castle and Czernin Palace for the High-Level International Conference of the Article 18 Alliance. The event brought together delegates from around the world to discuss and affirm the right to freedom of religion or belief. Among those present were representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
President Petr Pavel of the Czech Republic opened the conference with a keynote address emphasizing freedom of conscience. He stated, “Wherever the human spirit is controlled by power, freedom dies.” He also highlighted that “true religion is something that uplifts people—all people, not just some of them,” and urged ongoing vigilance: “True freedom of religion means freedom from control. Religious freedom is never granted once and for all. It must therefore be protected, defended, and lived every day. Let us never take it for granted. Let us have the courage to stand up for it—for ourselves and for those who cannot.”
The Church was represented by Elder James W. McConkie, member of the Europe Central Area Presidency, and Michal Hanzal, Area Public Relations Manager. Their participation reflected core Latter-day Saint beliefs regarding religious liberty as expressed in their 11th Article of Faith: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”
Elder McConkie commented on his experience at the gathering: “Throughout the conference, I reflected on the Lord’s reminder in Doctrine and Covenants 134:4 that government should ‘restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul,’ and how gratifying it was to be gathered in the heart of Europe with academic, government, and faith leaders committed to these divine principles of truth and agency.”
The conference addressed topics such as dignity, solidarity, resilience among faith communities facing conflict or discrimination globally. Speakers included UN Special Rapporteur Nazila Ghanea and Ambassador Samuel Brownback (USA), among others from diverse regions including Europe and North Africa. A tribute was given honoring His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his commitment to nonviolence.
The Article 18 Alliance is a network comprising 38 member countries working together based on Article 18 principles from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—protecting religious minorities and promoting respect for religious freedoms worldwide.
Professor Brett Scharffs from Brigham Young University’s International Center for Law and Religion Studies serves on its Council of Experts. At an opening-night dinner at Prague’s National Museum in Wenceslas Square awards were presented recognizing efforts advancing religious freedom—including Professor Scharffs himself.
Receiving his award Professor Scharffs said: “Resilience comes from working together—especially in times of darkness. When we join in commitment and cooperation, we generate hope and strength for those who suffer persecution.”
Ambassador at Large Robert Řehák outlined a cooperative approach: “When we create genuine friendship and efficient cooperation, we can disarm hatred... Together we can transform the power of the powerless into a collective force for freedom... mutual understanding... peace.”
The conference concluded with a declaration reaffirming that rights related to thought, conscience—and especially religion—are essential during uncertain times. The Church has indicated plans to continue its involvement in interfaith dialogue across Europe.
President Pavel summarized this focus by noting that when individuals are free to seek God according to their conscience they become agents of hope—a principle echoed throughout this international gathering.
