Topic

Religious Freedom

Religious freedom is a fundamental part of the United States Constitution and the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is also a fundamental tenet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church’s 11th article of faith states, “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.” Agency, or freedom of choice, is an essential part of God’s plan for His children, and the freedom to worship how we choose is part of having agency.

Religious freedom encompasses not only the right for all to believe and worship privately as they choose, but also to gather in communities of faith, to teach their faith to their children, to practice their religion in public as well as in private, and to share their beliefs with others. Governments have the responsibility to protect these rights, so long as the basic rights of others to safety, health, and property are also protected.

Freedom of religion also includes the right to form churches, which have the ability to teach their own doctrines and standards and to regulate their own requirements for membership, ecclesiastical office, and employment. This freedom protects religious persons and organizations from persecution and discrimination in rights of citizenship, employment, and other basic services.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in protecting religious freedom for all people. Because of this belief and in connection with many public conversations concerning the topic, religious freedom has been an oft-discussed subject on campus. The following BYU devotionals and forums call on the expertise of prominent figures in law and government in the BYU faculty and Church leadership, as well as guests of the university who have emphasized the need for religious people and organizations to work together toward the goal of “fairness for all.” Together, these speakers explore the “why” and “how” of religious freedom, both from a practical, social perspective, and often from the perspective of LDS doctrine.

Ari Berman | January 31, 2023

In a consumer society, covenantal education in faith-based institutions helps us approach relationships and life in a more meaningful way.

forum 2023

Eboo Patel, founder and president of Interfaith Youth Core.

Eboo Patel | October 20, 2020

Eboo Patel discusses how to be educated in today's interfaith world. It is necessary to understand others to bridge religious divides.

forum 2020

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ronald A. Rasband | January 21, 2020

Elder Rasband teaches about the the gift of agency. We are free to choose joy, to choose how we worship, and to choose to follow Jesus Christ.

devotional 2020

Dallin H. Oaks—first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dallin H. Oaks | September 13, 2016

In coming elections and at all times, we ought to communicate with kindness, maintain hope for the future, and defend religious freedom.

devotional 2016

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jeffrey R. Holland | August 16, 2016

Religion holds together that which might be torn apart—an obvious need for us, individually and collectively, given the trials we experience in mortality.

devotional 2016

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

D. Todd Christofferson | June 26, 2016

Religious freedom is crucial for our nation. By being informed, speaking up, and getting involved, we can preserve religious freedom for everyone of faith.

devotional 2016

Ronald A. Rasband | September 15, 2015

The Church believes in religious freedom and fairness for all. We need to stand up for the rights of all people when we see them impeded.

devotional 2015

R. Albert Mohler | February 25, 2014

Members of different faiths need to work together to affirm religious liberty, necessary in preserving human rights, human dignity, and human flourishing.

forum 2014

Joseph Lieberman | October 25, 2011

America's freedom of religion allows us to be judged in the public square by our character, not prejudiced against because of our faith.

forum 2011

Dallin H. Oaks | September 11, 2011

Mutual respect and tolerance for others while maintaining commitment to gospel truth will bring all of us closer to Christ.

devotional 2011

Francis E. George | February 23, 2010

Cardinal George encourages Catholics and Mormons to work together to defend religious freedom and be advocates for human rights and dignity.

forum 2010

W. Cole Durham Jr. | April 3, 2001

Part of “redemption’s mystery” is our paradoxical—and yet ultimately not paradoxical—obligation to respect and love and protect the rights of others not of our faith.

devotional 2001

Rex E. Lee | June 7, 1988

The relationship between religion and the United States constitution has an interesting and complicated history with important implications.

devotional 1988

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ.

Neal A. Maxwell | October 10, 1978

As we face the challenges of today, the doctrine of foreordination teaches us that God has a knowledge of all things, and plans for each of us to succeed.

devotional 1978

Ernest L. Wilkinson | February 2, 1970

BYU distinguishes itself from other prestigious universities because it has not denounced its faith; as students and faculty, we must not denounce ours.

devotional 1970