Available EditionsClose Window
Close Window
Topic

Religious Freedom

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes in the importance of defending and preserving religious freedom throughout the world. The following is a six-part series of commentaries exploring the Church's position on Religious Freedom:

Part 1: An Introduction to Religious Freedom

Part 2: What Religious Freedom Means: Religious freedom is a fundamental freedom that runs deeper and reaches farther than many realize.

Part 3: Why We Need Religious Freedom: Religious freedom, or freedom of conscience, is critical to the health of a diverse society.

Part 4: Why Religious Freedom Matters to Mormons: Religious freedom is both a lesson of Mormons’ history and a principle of their faith.

Part 5: How Religion is Vital to Society: Religion is essential to a vibrant, democratic society.

Part 6: What Religious Freedom Requires of Us: Religious Freedom Is as Much a Duty toward Others as It Is a Right for Oneself.

 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes in the importance of defending and preserving religious freedom throughout the world. Significant speeches given by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints address the Church’s position on religious freedom:

"The Restoration of Morality and Religious Freedom" 
Elder Quentin L. Cook

16 December 2011
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Full text of speech 
News release

"Truth and Tolerance" 
Elder Dallin H. Oaks 

BYU Marriott Center
11 September 2011 
Full text of speech 
News release

"Preserving Religious Freedom"
Elder Dallin H. Oaks 

Chapman University School of Law
4 February 2011 
Full text of speech 
News release

"Religious Freedom" 
Elder Dallin H. Oaks 

Brigham Young University-Idaho
13 October 2009 
Full text of speech 
News release

His Eminence Francis Cardinal George of the Catholic Church also addressed the subject of religious freedom during a speech at Brigham Young University:

Catholics and Latter-day Saints: Partners in the Defense of Religious Freedom
Cardinal Francis George
Brigham Young University
23 February 2010
Full text of speech (.pdf file)
News release

Style Guide Note: When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online style guide.