The following is excerpted from the Church Newsroom. To read the full article, CLICK HERE.
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles told global faith leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., on Monday, February 3, 2025, that protecting religious freedom is “a key to peace and stability” around the world.
The Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke at the opening reception of the 2025 International Religious Freedom Summit, held at the House of the Americas. This is an annual two-day summit that supports religious freedom worldwide. More than 90 organizations representing more than 30 faith traditions are participating to discuss ways to advance international religious freedom. Nearly 80% of people around the world live in countries with high levels of restrictions on religion.
Elder Soares said the path to peace is dialogue and action. He pointed to his native Brazil as an example of how such peace can be achieved.
“Religious freedom scholar Brian Grim observed that, ‘Given the level of religious switching in Brazil, it is particularly notable that … there have been no reported incidents of hostility over conversions or proselytism,’” Elder Soares said. “Though far from perfect, tension has been managed through dialogue between the various religious communities.”
Religious liberty matters, the Apostle said, because faith helps people find purpose, fosters respect and encourages personal responsibility, hard work, and strong families.
“These virtues flowing from a flourishing and diverse religious landscape serve to mend and tighten the fabric of our shared world in ways perhaps nothing else can, leading in turn to the united and peaceful societies for which we yearn,” Elder Soares said.
He concluded his remarks by pointing to Church President Russell M. Nelson’s April 2023 call for peacemakers.
“While peacebuilding does not always come easily or naturally, it is a prize worthy of our finest and most determined efforts,” Elder Soares said. “The reward for such sacrifice and labor, however, is a gift that transcends even this world. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers,’ Jesus taught, ‘for they shall be called the children of God.’ May we each consider how we may become better peacemakers, at home and abroad. And may God’s blessings be upon you in this most honorable cause.”
To read the full article, CLICK HERE.