Dan Cooper,
President, High Prairie Branch,
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Remembrance Day is almost upon us and, as a result, our thoughts turn to the freedoms purchased for each of us at so tremendous a cost.

This being an inspirational column, I would like to focus on the basic freedom protected for each of us under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: the right to freedom of religion.

Around the world, wars have been and are being waged over differing religious beliefs. Right now, thousands of refugees flee their homes to escape persecution by those who claim their beliefs to be superior.

How blessed we are to live in a country where everyone may “claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let[ting] them worship how, where, or what they may”, all without fear of persecution or retribution. [LDS Articles of Faith, number 11]

We all value the freedom to not just believe as we wish, but to act on those beliefs and values as we see fit. We are free to form congregations, voice our opinions and live according to our belief system.

Along with that comes the responsibility to allow others the same freedom. Ronald A. Rasband stated, “We believe in creating a space for everyone to live their conscience, without infringing on the rights and safety of others.”

We will often discover differences between our own religious beliefs and those of others. How can we settle these differences in a way that leaves the dignity of both parties intact? Dallin H. Oaks suggests, “Both sides should seek a balance, not a total victory.”

Each individual, no matter their background or beliefs, brings something wonderful to the table. If we seek to discover the good in all religions we will find our own lives are enriched and we are lifted up and strengthened in our capacity to do good. There is no room for selfish pride or holier than thou attitudes in the arena of religious freedom.

How can we make a difference and help to protect this basic right of religious freedom? There are four key ways suggested on our church’s religious freedom website (www.lds.org/religiousfreedom). These are:

1. Become informed about the basics of religious freedom and understand your rights.
2. Live and respectfully share your beliefs. Have meaningful, kind conversations with those of differing beliefs. Focus on seeking to understand one another’s perspective and finding common ground that unites you.
3. Find simple ways to help protect the rights of everyone to act on their beliefs. You can attend town council meetings, vote, and contact your government reps to express your views. Get involved in the democratic institutions and conversations around you.
4. Build trusted relationships in your community among people of diverse opinions. For example, serve in your neighbourhood, get involved with your business or professional association, run for a school board, or coach a sports team. As you get to know more people and understand each other’s beliefs, you’ll be better able to find ways to protect one another’s rights in a way that benefits everyone.

We must also always keep in mind a fundamental principle: each of us is a child of God. He loves each of us with the same love, regardless of our opinions or beliefs. If we can look at each other as part of a greater human family, differences fall away and an environment of mutual respect can grow.

As we remember those who fought and died to protect our basic rights, let us not forget that each of us is privileged to worship in whatever way we choose.

And that simply enriches us all.