Faith Leaders in Peru Unite to Honor a Decade of Religious Freedom and Family Advocacy

On Thursday, November 28, 2024, the Interreligious Council of Peru — Religions for Peace held its annual meeting at the offices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lima.

Representatives from different faiths in Peru met with Ministry of Justice and Human Rights officials to recognize those who facilitated the “Commitment for Peru” agreement signed a decade ago.

“Commitment for Peru” was developed as the agreement to uphold the right to and respect for life, religious freedom, the defense and support of marriage and family, and the right to education. This document was signed by the country’s leading spiritual and community leaders.

Elder Jorge T. Becerra, President of the Church’s South America Northwest Area, represented the Church at the meeting and welcomed attendees.

“What I love about this council is the unity that exists among us. The scriptures say, ‘If ye are not one, ye are not mine.’ I believe that unity precedes miracles,” said Elder Becerra. “When people become united, even with different faiths, we find joy in working together and bringing happiness to others.”

Monsignor Salvador Piñeiro, president of the Interreligious Council of Peru, expressed his gratitude to those in attendance. During the event, special recognition was given to Dr. Javier Rodríguez Larraín and Monsignor Javier Del Río Alva for their pivotal roles in facilitating the “Commitment for Peru” agreement.

“The document emerged as an inspiration from God, and hearing its content reminds me of how relevant this commitment remains today — perhaps even more urgent than it was10 years ago,” said Monsignor Del Río.

This gathering also commemorated the 42nd anniversary of the United Nations “Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief.”

Representatives from various faiths and organizations affiliated with the council participated, including Catholics, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Jews, Evangelicals, the Bahá’í Community, Interfaith Women’s Network, Interfaith Committee for Refugees and Migrants in Peru, and Religions for Peace Latin America and the Caribbean.