November 19, 2025, 4:00 PM MST
The recent International Seminar on Religious Freedom (held November 12-13 at Prague Castle and Cernin Square in the Czech Republic) featured a speech by the Czech President and the participation of representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The high-level international conference of the Article 18 Alliance opened with a powerful keynote speech by President Petr Pavel.
He emphasized the importance of freedom of conscience, declaring that “where the human mind is controlled by power, freedom is lost.” President Pavel stressed that religion uplifts all people and that religious freedom must be actively protected, defended and practiced every day.
Government leaders, civil society and representatives of faith were in attendance, gathering to affirm the universal right to freedom of religion and belief.
The Church was represented by Elder James W. McConkie, a General Authority Seventy and member of the Europe Central Area Presidency, and Michal Hanzal, Area Public Relations Manager.
Their participation reaffirms the church’s commitment to religious freedom, Europe Newsroom reported. The 11th Article of Faith of the Church declares:
“We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God as our conscience dictates, and we extend the same privilege to all, allowing them to worship how, where, and in what.”
The Article 18 Alliance supports these same ideals. The Church united with world leaders in insisting that everyone should have the right to worship freely without fear or discrimination.
In his opening remarks, Pavel noted how faith can be a source of courage and dignity, especially in “times of crisis,” and reminded participants that “true religion is one that uplifts people, not just some but all.”
“True religious freedom means freedom from domination. Religious freedom is not a one-time grant. So it must be protected, defended, and lived every day. Let us never take it for granted. Let us have the courage to stand up for it, for ourselves and for those who cannot.”
Elder McConkie emphasized the importance of this event. “Throughout the conference, I reflected on the Lord’s reminder in Doctrine and Covenants 134:4 that governments should ‘restraint crime but never dominate the conscience; punish sin but not suppress the freedom of the soul.’ And I thought how happy it was to have scholars, governments, and faith leaders committed to these truths and sacred principles of agency gathered in the heart of Europe.”
Article 18 Alliance
The Article 18 Alliance, which organized the conference, is a network of 38 member states and dozens of experts united by the principles of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, according to the Czech Republic Newsroom. Its mission is to protect religious minorities, combat discrimination, and promote respect for freedom of religion and belief.
The Alliance’s Council of Experts, including Professor Brett Schaafs of Brigham Young University’s International Center for the Study of Law and Religion, convened leading voices from around the world to guide and support the effort.
Sessions and events centered around themes of dignity, solidarity and resilience. Delegates from around the world discussed peacebuilding, social cohesion and the challenges facing faith communities in conflict zones. Speakers included Nazira Ghanair, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief; Samuel Brownback, former U.S. Special Envoy for International Religious Freedom; And there are people from other continents. He paid tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s commitment to nonviolence and human dignity.
recognition and honor
The opening dinner was held at the National Museum in Prague’s historic Wenceslas Square. The Schaafs were among the recipients of the award, which is given to organizations and individuals who have built bridges across faiths and advocated for religious freedom.
Accepting the award, Schaafs said, “Resilience comes from working together, especially in times of darkness. When we join together in dedication and cooperation, we create hope and strength for those suffering persecution.”
He was praised for his longstanding efforts to protect religious freedom.
Grand Ambassador Robert Jehak, Chair of the 18-Article Alliance, said: “By forging true friendship and effective cooperation, we can disarm hatred and overcome polarization and division. Together, we can transform the power of the powerless into a collective force for religious freedom, mutual understanding and peace.”
move forward
Pavel gave us precious memories. When men and women freely seek God and serve their neighbors as their conscience dictates, they become bearers of hope. This conference asks participants to protect these freedoms every day.
The conference concluded with a declaration underscoring that the right to freedom of religion, conscience and thought is critical to human dignity and resilience in times of uncertainty.
The Church continues to insist that religious freedom is not only a right to be claimed, but also a gift to be shared.
