By Paul Tateoka
More than 90 delegates representing foreign governments and religious groups from 48 countries gathered to discuss religious freedom Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006, at the opening session of the Thirteenth Annual International Law and Religion Symposium.
'The purpose of the conference is to find better ways to implement ideals of religious freedom worldwide,' said Cole Durham, director of BYU''s International Center for Law and Religion Studies.
During the opening session, Robert A. Seiple, president of the Council for America''s First Freedom, and Michael K. Young, president of the University of Utah, presented thoughts on religious freedom.
This year''s symposium celebrates the adoption of the 1981 U.N. declaration on religious tolerance and non-discrimination.
Seiple expressed his views on tolerance versus respect and the importance of respect for neighbors.
'We must understand our own faith to the deepest and richest best,' Seiple said. 'Then understand your neighbors'' faith to show respect like the commandments say, ''Love god and love your neighbors.'''
Seiple focused on the importance of religious tolerance and freedom throughout the world.
'We need to learn, practice, celebrate, respect,' he said. 'For faith to be authentic, it has to be of free choice.'
Young has participated in the symposium for the last 13 years and agreed with Seiple that this was a time for celebration of religious freedom.
'This is an optimistic celebration of people of good faith who are willing to take this as seriously as we all do and take it back to our governments and our countries to make a difference,' Young said.
Many delegates were pleased with the outcome of the opening session.
'I liked the subjects that they spoke about,' said Father Ibrahim Dabbour of the Greek Orthodox Church of Jordan. 'They are very good for our life and relationships with other religions.'
Others were excited about the conference and what it can bring to their professions.
'The topics interest me,' said Judge Samuel Arias Arzeno of the Dominican Republic. 'I think in my position, I can talk about religious freedom and have a great influence in the Dominican Republic.'
The symposium and opening session brings scholars and leaders from all over the world to discuss religious freedom throughout the world, said Kevin Worthen, dean of BYU''s J. Rueben Clark Law School.
Justice Karim Pharaon from Jordan disagreed with remarks made about Islam and the Muslim faith during the opening session, but was excited about what BYU was accomplishing with the seminar.
'In bringing views of other religions and nations closer to each other, it helps people understand each other better,' Pharoan said. 'Understanding each other is the way to have a better life and harmonic world, hopefully free of terrorism and wars.'