Conference Overview

Hosted by the International Center for Law and Religious Studies at BYU's J. Reuben Clark Law School, “the Annual Law and Religion Symposium brings together a wide-ranging group of over 100 scholars, diplomats, judges, and government, civic and religious leaders from over 65 countries.” Together, they engage in discussions that explore various facets of the intersection between religion and law, including the role of religion and diplomacy in upholding the values of the Universal Declaration, the contemporary understanding of human dignity and religious freedom among religious leaders and movements, the importance of the rule of law in making these rights meaningful, the potential for diverse religions to foster societal unity, and the impact of the Universal Declaration on religious freedom in international courts and nations worldwide.

Student Reflections

For many of the BYU–Hawaii student fellows, the International Law and Religion Symposium was not just an academic event but a deeply personal and transformative experience. Cynthia Uvang Snelson described the conference as “an incredible and enlightening experience,” filled with meaningful connections across cultures and faiths. She shared how meeting Major Francis and his wife, Mary from Malaysia deepened her appreciation for BYU–Hawaii’s international mission, while an invitation from Imam Nasaruddin Umar of Indonesia opened the door to future learning opportunities. One of her most memorable moments came when a Cambodian delegate, Kongkea Tep, taught her a few words in his language and gifted her a miniature Buddha statue—“a reminder to always remember God,” she said. These encounters, along with heartfelt conversations with religious and academic leaders, inspired her to carry forward the aloha spirit and the principles of peacebuilding she learned at the symposium.

For others, the symposium became a space of self-discovery and professional growth. Hannah Harding reflected that attending the event was “a transformative experience,” offering a firsthand glimpse into the Lord’s work through global collaboration. Meeting leaders such as Reverend Father Joseph Mutie from Kenya, who wanted to understand more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, broadened her interfaith understanding. Discussions with Franco Fiurama, an Argentine judge specializing in genocide prevention, and Elsa Aguilar from Panama led to lasting friendships and future research ideas. A particularly inspiring exchange with Francesco Di Lillo, Director of EU and International Affairs in Brussels, sparked the possibility of an internship in Europe—an opportunity that connected her missionary experiences in Germany with her passion for international relations.

Many students also shared how the symposium strengthened their confidence and sense of purpose. Jennly Vivas Vidal called the experience “a dream come true,” while Lindokuhle Mbuli, a biochemistry major, admitted he initially felt out of place in a room full of law and political science scholars. Yet, as he spoke with delegates from Africa, including Judge Nolwazi Mabindla-Boqwana and Gabriel da Barca Junior, he found himself inspired to pursue advocacy for human dignity and even consider a Master of Public Health degree. Similarly, Riji Levaci said the conference helped him “break social barriers” and realize the power of education in promoting inclusion, while Vilai Ilolahia shared how meeting global leaders like Justice Jose Reyes Jr. and Lord Fakafanua transformed her fears into confidence. For all of them, the symposium was more than a gathering of ideas—it was a reminder that young people can be instruments of peace, bridging faiths and nations through understanding and compassion.

Conference Highlights

The conference sessions offered an in-depth look at how nations and institutions are addressing the complex relationship between law, religion, and human dignity. In the opening session, speakers emphasized that protecting religious freedom is foundational to all other rights. C. Shane Reese and David H. Moore reflected on BYU’s mission, linking academic pursuit to spiritual freedom, while Brett Scharffs reminded participants that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights emerged from humanity’s darkest hours as a pledge to protect dignity for all. International delegates expanded this conversation—Nasaruddin Umar from Indonesia urged religious leaders to remain independent from the state while advocating for human rights, and Franciskus van Daele from Belgium warned that globalization and weakened state authority are putting freedom of belief under strain. The first plenary reinforced these ideas by focusing on the judiciary’s duty to uphold human rights. Presenters from Europe, Africa, and Asia—including Armen Harutyunyan, Helen Ogunwumiju, and Jose Reyes Jr.—outlined how independent courts ensure accountability, equality before the law, and the protection of religious minorities.

Breakout sessions provided concrete examples of how these principles are practiced globally. In Southeast Asia, representatives from Vietnam and Cambodia described growing religious diversity and government reforms aimed at protecting faith communities. The UN Human Dignity Day Initiative called for proactive efforts to prevent genocide by reaffirming the sacred worth of every person, while speakers in the Latin America sessions discussed sensitive issues such as identity laws, the right to life, and government neutrality in religion. African and Pacific leaders shared case studies on balancing tradition, law, and freedom, from Ghana’s legal protections for Rastafarian students to Tonga’s constitutionally enshrined freedom of worship. Other sessions highlighted the role of NGOs, academics, and interfaith coalitions in countering extremism and promoting dialogue. Across regions, a consistent message emerged: safeguarding freedom of religion or belief is not only a matter of law but a shared moral responsibility essential to peace and human dignity worldwide.