Over 200 Attend International Forum on Law and Religion, Featuring Global Experts

More than 200 participants gathered at the University of the Philippines BGC Auditorium on Thursday, August 22, 2024, for the highly anticipated International Forum on Law and Religion (IFLR).

The forum, organized by the University of the Philippines College of Law, the J. Reuben Clark Law School of Brigham Young University, and the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, brought together distinguished speakers and experts from around the globe to discuss pressing issues at the intersection of law, religion, and peacebuilding.

Headlining the event was Elder Patrick Kearon, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who delivered the keynote address. Elder Kearon was in the Philippines for an eight-day ministering visit that included a courtesy call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a meeting with the president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, and a visit to Latter-day Saints in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, among others.

In his 60-minute message, Elder Kearon acknowledged the “common idea” that religion has caused much conflict. “It’s true, both historically and relatively recently, that some have stoked the fires of war with pretended religious ideology.”

However, he proposed an “opposite thesis” and said that religion, when protected by law, is “a key source of peace” worldwide. “Religious power for good is diminished where religious freedom is weak. It is enhanced where freedom of religion or belief is strong,” he said.

“Freedom of religion and belief enhances protection of other freedoms, which have been shown to promote the common good and social welfare,” he added. “Religious freedom erects an effective shield for other freedoms.”

Professor Elizabeth Clark, Associate Director of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University, arrived in the Philippines only hours before giving her message at the forum. She expressed her admiration for the participants' passion for protecting religious freedom and other basic human rights.

“I was just so impressed. What a wonderful gathering, with people from different religious traditions interested in religious freedom who came engaged with different questions. I've never been to the Philippines before, and I am just so impressed with the commitment to religious freedom that you see here,” she expressed.

Hon. Huma Chughtai, a Member of Parliament for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, shared her extensive knowledge, experience, and ideas on sustainable peace and conflict mitigation.

"Social cohesion and peaceful coexistence are critical to the security, stability, and prosperity of civilizations. These two elements—involving the recognition of diversity, fostering a sense of dignity, mutual respect, and equality—are essential to human society," she emphasized.

The event also featured six breakout sessions that allowed participants to engage deeply with specific topics:

1. Legal Frameworks and Religious Diversity: Experts explored the evolving legal definitions of tolerance and the role of international resolutions in promoting religious dialogue and cooperation.
2. The Fourth Estate – Reshaping Norms Beyond Law and Religion: This session examined how the media shapes public perceptions of religious diversity, with discussions on the misrepresentation of indigenous and Muslim communities and the media’s power in promoting religious tolerance.
3. Religious and Cultural Diversity by Executive Action and Legislative Fiat: Speakers discussed how legislative initiatives and executive actions can foster religious inclusivity. The session highlighted recent bills and policy frameworks designed to protect religious freedoms.
4. Faith, Peace, and Security: This session examined the role of faith-based actors in promoting peace, focusing on women’s rights under Islamic law, indigenous peoples’ rights, and the efforts of religious groups to mitigate conflict in the Bangsamoro region.
5. Human Rights and Religious Freedom: The discussion centered on balancing national security with religious liberties, exploring regional efforts in Southeast Asia to promote religious tolerance while addressing security concerns.
6. Role of Education in Promoting Religious Pluralism: Speakers emphasized the importance of education in fostering religious pluralism, sharing insights on how human rights and religious freedom are integrated into academic curricula.

Throughout the event, many attendees felt free to ask meaningful questions of the resource speakers, resulting in engaging discussions that further enriched the learning experience. The open exchange of ideas between the participants and the experts showed the collaborative atmosphere of the forum with almost

The International Forum on Law and Religion concluded with a resounding message: protecting religious freedom is not only a legal obligation but also a cornerstone for achieving lasting peace and social cohesion. The global experts and participants demonstrated, in their own ways, the significance of collaboration in addressing complex issues at the intersection of law, religion, and human rights.

Through thought-provoking discussions and breakout sessions, participants explored how legal frameworks, education, and faith-based initiatives can improve understanding and respect across religious and cultural divides. The forum’s focus on sustainable peace and mutual respect highlighted the urgent need for inclusive policies that uphold human dignity and promote coexistence.

The dialogue facilitated at the forum demonstrated that law and religion, when balanced thoughtfully, can be powerful tools for promoting justice, equality, and security. With the Philippines’ vibrant participation and the collective insights from speakers across the world, the forum set the stage for continued efforts to strengthen legal protections for religious freedom and promote peace in diverse societies globally.