Teachings from Church Leaders
See what Church leaders have taught about the importance of religious freedom.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks discusses the importance of loving others while still staying true to your beliefs.
Elder Robert D. Hales shares four things we must each do to safeguard religious freedom.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson discusses ways to protect religious freedom in everyday life.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband talks about the threats against religious freedom and the importance of creating a space for all people to live according to their beliefs.
Elder Von G. Keetch of the Seventy discusses how we can teach and defend the gospel while still showing love and kindness to those who disagree with our beliefs.
Foundational Talks from Prophets and Apostles
Church leaders talk frequently about religious freedom. Learn more from these recent addresses.
“The Crucible: The Atonement, Moral Agency, and the Law,” Lance B. Wickman, J. Reuben Clark Law Society, Feb. 17, 2017
“Elections, Hope, and Freedom,” Dallin H. Oaks, BYU devotional, Sept. 13, 2016
“Concerns and Counsel,” Dallin H. Oaks, U.S. Religious Freedom Conference, Sept. 10, 2016
“Bound by Loving Ties,” Jeffrey R. Holland, BYU Campus Education Week devotional, Aug. 16, 2016
“Religious Freedom—A Cherished Heritage to Defend,” D. Todd Christofferson, Freedom Festival Patriotic Service, June 26, 2016
“An Example of the Believers,” Von G. Keetch of the Seventy, Brigham Young University–Idaho devotional, June 14, 2016
“The Complementary Functions of Religion and Government in a Global Setting,” Dallin H. Oaks, Oxford University lecture, June 9, 2016
“Why We All Have a Stake in Protecting Religious Freedom,” D. Todd Christofferson, Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Annual Convention, May 20, 2016
“Religious Freedom in Mexico,” Dallin H. Oaks, First Meeting of National Awareness for Religious Freedom, A.C., Mexico City, April 14, 2016
“Religious Freedom in a Pluralistic Society,” Dallin H. Oaks, Claremont Graduate University Religious Freedom Conference, March 25, 2016
“The Boundary between Church and State,” Dallin H. Oaks, Second Annual Sacramento Court/Clergy Conference, October 20, 2015
“Religious Freedom and Fairness for All,” Ronald A. Rasband, BYU devotional, September 15, 2015
“Watchmen on the Tower,” D. Todd Christofferson, Clark Memorandum, Spring 2015, 4–11
“Religious Liberty Lecture,” Quentin L. Cook, Notre Dame Sydney School of Law, May 27, 2015
“A Celebration of Religious Freedom,” D. Todd Christofferson, interfaith address in São Paulo, Brazil, April 29, 2015
“Challenges to Religious Freedom,” Dallin H. Oaks, Argentina Council for Foreign Relations, April 23, 2015
“Preserving Agency, Protecting Religious Freedom,” Robert D. Hales, April 2015 general conference
“Faith, Family, and Religious Freedom,” Jeffrey R. Holland, Chapman University, February 26, 2015
“News Conference on Religious Freedom and Nondiscrimination,” Dallin H. Oaks, Jeffrey R. Holland, D. Todd Christofferson, and Neill F. Marriott, January 27, 2015
“Loving Others and Living with Differences,” Dallin H. Oaks, October 2014 general conference
“Hope for the Years Ahead,” Dallin H. Oaks, Utah Valley University Constitutional Symposium on Religious Freedom, April 16, 2014
“Lamentations of Jeremiah: Beware of Bondage,” Quentin L. Cook, October 2013 general conference
“Faith, Family, and Religious Freedom,” Jeffrey R. Holland, J. Rueben Clark Law School Society, February 15, 2013
“The Restoration of Morality and Religious Freedom,” Quentin L. Cook, BYU–Idaho Commencement, December 16, 2011
“Truth and Tolerance,” Dallin H. Oaks, CES fireside, September 11, 2011
“Preserving Religious Freedom,” Dallin H. Oaks, Chapman University School of Law, February 4, 2011
“Fundamentals of Our Constitutions,” Dallin H. Oaks, Utah’s Constitution Day Celebration, September 17, 2010
“Fundamental Premises of Our Faith,” Dallin H. Oaks, Harvard Law School, February 2010
“Moral Discipline,” D. Todd Christofferson, October 2009 general conference
“Religious Freedom,” Dallin H. Oaks, BYU–Idaho devotional, October 13, 2009
“Engaging without Being Defensive,” M. Russell Ballard, BYU Commencement address, August 13, 2009
“Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship,” Robert D. Hales, October 2008 general conference
“Doctrine of Inclusion,” M. Russell Ballard, October 2001 general conference
“Teach Us Tolerance and Love,” Russell M. Nelson, April 1994 general conference
“A New Civil Religion,” James E. Faust, Ensign, October 1992, 69–71
“Religious Values and Public Policy,” Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, October 1992, 60–64
“Religion in a Free Society,” M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, October 1992, 64–69
“The Divinely Inspired Constitution,” Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, February 1992, 68–74