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.

Listed below are significant speeches given by Church leaders that also address the Church’s position on religious freedom:

    “Preserving Religious Freedom”
    Elder Dallin H. Oaks
    Chapman University School of Law
    4 February 2011

    “Fundamentals of Our Constitution”
    Elder Dallin H. Oaks
    Tabernacle in Salt Lake City
    17 September 2010

    “We Are All Enlisted”
    Elder Russell M. Nelson
    To the Young Adults of the Boston and Hingham Stakes
    10 June 2010

    “The Threatened Demise of Religion in the Public Square”
    Elder Lance B. Wickman
    J. Reuben Clark Law Society
    11 February 2010

    "Religious Freedom”
    Elder Dallin H. Oaks
    Brigham Young University-Idaho
    13 October 2009