Southeast Asian Faith Leaders Convene at BYU–Hawaii for Conference on Religious Freedom and Human Dignity

Some 170 people of various faiths from 10 Southeast Asian countries gathered on the picturesque campus of Brigham Young University–Hawaii on April 22 through April 25, 2025, for a conference entitled “Human Dignity & ASEAN: Pursuing Peaceful and Inclusive Societies in Southeast Asia.”

The conference was organized by the Religious Freedom and Human Dignity Initiative at BYU–Hawaii, alongside collaborators at BYU’s International Center for Law and Religion Studies, the Religious Freedom Institute, and the Leimena Institute of Indonesia.

The conference brought together religious leaders and scholars representing a diverse range of faiths, including the World Evangelical Alliance, the Catholic Church, the Baha’i International Community, United Sikhs, the Institute of Islamic Understanding and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The delegates shared insights on religious freedom and human dignity in Southeast Asia and offered practical suggestions for advancing these principles in their home countries.

“Southeast Asia is one of the most religiously diverse regions on the planet, where many global religions and indigenous communities live side by side in vibrant communities,” said Elder Michael B. Strong of the Church’s Philippines Area Presidency. “As leaders of our countries and communities, we must strive to build pluralistic societies where peace, unity, and harmony thrive.”

Elder Strong acknowledged BYU–Hawaii’s focus on promoting peace, intercultural understanding, and the core values of appreciation, tolerance, and esteem—principles he said “unite all peoples” in ways no other university can.

Continuing the theme of leadership and service, Elder Nithya Kumar Sunderraj of India, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ’s Fourth Quorum of the Seventy, also attended the conference and met with BYU–Hawaii students. He taught students how to become Christlike leaders, serve their communities and support religious freedom and human dignity in their home countries.

Beyond the formal sessions, delegates also experienced some of the unique aspects of the BYU–Hawaii campus and the local community. For example, delegates toured the Laie Hawaii Temple grounds. This was the first house of the Lord built outside the continental United States. Student representatives guided the tour, offering insights into the temple’s sacred purpose and historical significance. Delegates asked questions, engaged in thoughtful conversations, and formed connections that bridged religious and cultural differences.

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A unique and culturally inspired feature of the conference was the “talanoa” gatherings, discussion sessions where students and community members engaged in meaningful dialogue with delegates. Four talanoa sessions took place, offering students the chance to connect with leaders from India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. These informal, face-to-face conversations allowed students and delegates to discuss pressing issues, future goals, and interfaith questions. Delegates even asked students about their own faith, leading to mutual understanding and strengthened connections. Many described the talanoa sessions as a highlight of the conference.

With a large number of Southeast Asian students attending BYU–Hawaii, many volunteered their time and talents to support the conference. They provided a welcoming presence that helped fuel connections, even far from home, and facilitated meaningful discussions on challenges that their home countries face. These students also had the opportunity to present research projects on religious freedom in Southeast Asia. They helped coordinate sessions, drive delegates, write summaries, and guide participants throughout the event.

“BYU-Hawaii students really are the secret sauce of our annual conferences,” said Associate Director Hannah Smith of BYU’s International Center for Law and Religion Studies. “Having been a student leader of the Center’s annual Symposium in Provo back when the Center was founded in 2000, I know firsthand what a life-changing opportunity it can be for students to interact meaningfully with government, civil society, and religious leaders from around the world. We are very intentional about creating opportunities that enrich the lives of not only those guests who come from afar to BYU-Hawaii’s campus, but also the students who we hope will return to their native countries with relationships they developed during their volunteer service at our conferences.”

The spirit of aloha was present throughout the conference, as students, delegates, and leaders from diverse backgrounds came together with mutual respect and a shared commitment to building a more peaceful and inclusive Southeast Asia.