After visiting Philadelphia — the foundational hub of U.S. democracy — President D. Todd Christofferson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called religious freedom “the cornerstone of peace in a world with many competing philosophies.”
The second counselor in the First Presidency joined other faith leaders Thursday evening at the Canterbury Medal Gala — an annual gathering sponsored by Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, a nonprofit, public-interest legal and educational institute.
President Christofferson offered the invocation at the event, held as the United States celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“Moral agency, the ability to choose right from wrong and to act for ourselves, is essential to God’s plan of salvation,” President Christofferson wrote on social media after the event. “Religious freedom ensures that people can exercise their agency in matters of faith.
“We are grateful to be associated with so many wonderful people of faith who we stand with to advocate for religious freedom.”
In addition to President Christofferson, Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder Matthew S. Holland and Elder Alexander Dushku of the Seventy also attended the gala.
The group also visited historic sites, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, during their time in Philadelphia, according to a news release on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Reflecting on his time in Philadelphia, President Christofferson noted a key verse found in Latter-day Saint scripture, Doctrine and Covenants 101. It teaches that the Constitution was “established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh.”
“[That means] all mankind, not just in this nation but everywhere in the world,” President Christofferson said. “I think it’s proven to be that wherever those principles have been adopted, the people have flourished and the blessings that we enjoy have been enjoyed by them.”
Both President Christofferson and Elder Holland (who leads Latter-day Saint global communication efforts) praised Becket for defending and promoting religious liberty for all, according to the news release.
“I think about that Joseph Smith statement, that [he would] be willing to die for the rights of all different faiths — Catholic, Jews, Muslims. Not just our own,” Elder Holland said. “We see that with Becket. We’re willing to stand with others to defend their rights. And they’re willing to stand with us. There’s a power and a principle of equality and inclusiveness that we’re doing this in a multifaith way.”
President Christofferson said Becket is very effective. “They do a superb work. The key to their success is that they’re focused on religious liberty for everyone. Not just certain faiths, but all faiths and even those who have no faith. They are intent on ensuring that everyone has what the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights provides, and that is freedom of belief and religion and practice.”
