Introduction
The 31st Annual International Law and Religion Symposium, held from October 6–8, 2024, at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, centered on the theme “Religious Freedom as a Tool for Peacemaking.” The event brought together over a hundred international delegates, including legal scholars, government officials, and faith leaders, to discuss how protecting freedom of religion or belief can foster peace, democracy, and human dignity. Through plenary and breakout sessions, participants explored global perspectives from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, addressing topics such as interfaith collaboration, education, and the role of law in promoting social harmony.Throughout the three-day symposium, speakers emphasized that genuine peace requires mutual respect, dialogue, and the safeguarding of fundamental rights. Delegates shared personal experiences, regional challenges, and initiatives aimed at bridging religious and cultural divides. The event not only strengthened academic and professional ties among participants but also inspired a renewed commitment to advancing religious freedom as a foundation for lasting global peace.
Student Reflections
For many of the BYU–Hawaii student fellows, the symposium was more than just a conference, it was a life-changing experience. Samantha Rasmussen shared that meeting delegates from Guatemala and Peru, where her family roots lie, was deeply moving. “It was inspiring to see how many developing countries have been able to support one another to fight for religious freedoms interdenominationally,” she said. One of her most meaningful encounters was with Otilia Coti, a Maya Ki’che leader from Guatemala advocating for Indigenous and women’s rights. Samantha described feeling an instant connection with her and even gifted her a handmade bracelet as a sign of gratitude. She left the symposium not only with new mentors and friends but also with potential opportunities to work and study abroad in Germany, inspired to continue pursuing religious freedom as her life’s mission.
For Valerie Joy Agustin, the experience rekindled her sense of purpose. “The symposium gave me a sense of purpose and strengthened my belief that religious freedom and understanding can establish peace here on earth,” she said. Valerie reconnected with Ambassador Ismat Jahan and met new mentors from around the world, including a professor from China and a public policy expert from Bahrain. She also shared heartfelt conversations with Sharon Eubank and other leaders who encouraged her to keep using her voice for good. Reflecting on the experience, Valerie said she realized that lasting impact doesn’t always come from grand gestures—it comes from genuine service and kindness that people remember long after the event ends.
Lance Santiago and Joseph Sant also walked away with a renewed perspective on their future goals. Lance said the sessions helped him realize “the possibility of achieving peace despite differences in religious background,” and he left motivated to use his accounting and finance career to promote unity. Joseph reflected on the meaningful conversations he had with delegates from Brazil, Chile, and Mongolia. One special moment came when he gave his lei to a Mongolian Buddhist monk who told him that seeds represent growth and new beginnings—a message that stayed with him long after the trip. For both students, the symposium was a reminder that peace starts with understanding, and that even small acts of connection can make a global difference.
