Preserving Religious Freedom, a video produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, forwards a vital message.
“Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right that protects the conscience of all people. It allows us to think, express and act upon what we deeply believe. But around the world, and in the United States, this freedom is eroding. Churches, religious organizations and individuals face increasing restrictions as they participate in the public square, express their beliefs or serve in society. But there is much good that Church members and people of goodwill can do to preserve and strengthen religious freedom.”
The four-minute video features “man on the street” interviews and the views of the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles along with statements by noted religious freedom advocates Are Svendson, executive board member of The Oslo Coalition of Religion and Belief; Hannah Smith, senior counsel for Becket Fund for Religious Liberty; and Gayla Sorenson, senior fellow at the International Center for Law and Religious Studies.
It includes an excerpt of a speech by Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve, to young Latter-day Saints regarding the “battle over the meaning of that freedom. The contest is of eternal importance and it is your generation that must understand the issues and make the efforts to prevail.”
Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve says “My challenge today is that you join with people of all faiths who feel accountable to God in defending religious freedom so it can be a beacon for morality. We caution you to be civil and responsible as you defend religious liberty and moral values. … Be an active participant, not a silent observer.”
In the video, Gayla Sorenson of the International Center for Law and Religious Studies places preserving religious freedom in a practical context: “Not criticizing other religions, not making fun of other religions, teaching your children to respect other religions, learning about your friends’ religious beliefs…. I think that’s all part of shoring up the foundation for religious freedom. And then doing something.”
Jerry R. Holland of the Twelve: “In the 21st century we cannot flee any longer. We’re going to have to fight for laws and circumstances and environments that allow the free exercise of religion and our franchise in it.”
A longer version of the video ends with a quote from Joseph Smith, founder and first president of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, establishing that religious freedom is a fundamental precept of the religion:
“I am bold to declare before Heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any other denomination for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the Latter-day Saints would trample upon the rights of the Roman Catholics or of any other denomination who would be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves.”
The video promotes a section of the Mormon Newsroom exclusively devoted to news, efforts and activities that promote and preserve religious freedom for all.
