Hundreds of delegates from across the world gathered in Provo, Utah, USA at the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University for the annual International Law and Religion Symposium, October 2025. This year marked the 32nd consecutive symposium, with the theme “Building Paths to Flourishing Regional, National and International Protections of Religious Freedom”.
Welcoming the delegates to the Symposium, Brett G. Scharffs, Director, International Center for Law and Religion Studies, charged them to consider the needs of the rising generation.
“As you talk amongst yourselves and as you have these dialogues about religious freedom, do not forget about the young people of our planet. The rising generation needs this more than anyone so that they become part of the dialogue”, he said.
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- Judge-Lebogang-Modiba-from-South-Africa-at-the-32nd-ILRS-event-in-Provo,-Utah,-October-2025.
- Doris-Uwicyeza-Picard,-CEO-Rwanda-Governance-Board-at-the-32nd-Annual-ILRS,-Provo,-Utah,-October-2025.
- Hon.-Ramaotwana,-Minister-of-Justice-from-Botswana-at-the-32nd-Annual-ILRS,-Provo,-Utah,-October-2025.
- Judge-Lebohang-Modiba,-Johannesburg-High-Court-Judge-at-the-32nd-Annual-ILRS,-Provo,-Utah,-October-2025.
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- Attending-General-Conference-at-the-weekend-of-the-ILRS-event.-Salt-Lake-City,-4-October-2025.
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Eight countries from Africa were represented at the symposium this year. Delegations from Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania presented passionately about religious freedom in their countries, while learning from their peers.
Download Photo“I do not have one word or even a sentence to describe my experience at this symposium. The symposium was fantastic. The facilities here are excellent. I marvel at the dedication and the passion of the Center’s staff and volunteers. I was amazed at the discipline of the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the General Conference. This has been a wonderful experience for me. I thank BYU and The Church for the opportunity”, said Ahmed Salisu Garba, Vice Chancellor, Al-Muhibbah Open University, Nigeria.
135 delegates from 47 countries attended the 2025 BYU International Law and Religion Symposium. The delegates also had the opportunity to attend the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and hear the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
More information on the International Center for Law and Religion Studies can be found here.