With our celebration of the Independence Day on Monday I was especially receptive to reading a talk by Elder Robert D. Hales titled "Preserving Agency, Protecting Religious Freedom". For me it was a great reminder of the importance of religious freedom and a perfect close to my 4th of July celebration this year.
I've chosen to share the four cornerstones of religious freedom that we as Latter-day Saints choose to rely upon and protect.
The first is freedom to believe.
No one should be criticized, persecuted, or attacked by individuals, or governments either, for what he or she believes about God. It is very personal and very important. An early declaration of our beliefs regarding religious liberty states: “No government can exist in peace, except such laws are
framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience. …"
The second cornerstone of religious liberty is the freedom to share our faith and our beliefs with others. The Lord commands us, “Ye shall teach [the gospel to] your children … when thou sittest in thine house.”11 He also said to His disciples, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”12 As parents, fulltime missionaries, and member missionaries, we rely on religious freedom in order to teach the Lord’s doctrine in our families and throughout the world.
The third cornerstone of religious liberty is the freedom to form a religious organization, a church, to worship peacefully with others.
The eleventh article of faith declares, “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”
The fourth cornerstone of religious liberty is the freedom to live our faith.
Free exercise of faith not just in the home and chapel but also in public places. The Lord commands us not only to pray privately13 but also to go forth and “let [our] light so shine before men, that they may see [our] good works, and glorify [our] Father which is in heaven.”
"Some are offended when we bring our religion into the public square, yet the same people who insist that their viewpoints and actions be tolerated in society are often very slow to give that same tolerance to religious believers who also wish their viewpoints and actions to be tolerated. The general lack of respect for religious viewpoints is quickly devolving into social and political intolerance for religious people and institutions."
Elder Hales goes on to give us three things we can do as individuals to safeguard these sacred freedoms and rights for ourselves and our posterity.
1. Become informed. Be aware of issues in your community that could have an impact on religious liberty.
2. In your individual capacity, join with others who share our commitment to religious freedom. Work side by side to protect religious freedom.
3. Live your life to be a good example of what you believe—in word and deed. How we live our religion is far more important than what we may say about our religion.
Brothers and Sisters, I'm thankful for this guideline given to us by Elder Hales. Nothing is more important than freedom of religion in this country. Regardless of the religion, this land was established so that all of God's children have the agency to choose. Be aware of what's going on around you and gain strength by seeking out others who are willing to be heard as well. Always speak with meekness and with God's light.
Remember....
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