Elder Ulisses Soares Emphasizes Compassion in Religious Freedom Advocacy at 2025 IRF Summit
Washington, D.C. — Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivered a powerful message on the importance of compassion in promoting religious freedom. Speaking on February 5 at the 2025 International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit, Elder Soares urged faith leaders to go beyond mere tolerance and embrace compassion as a guiding principle in their advocacy efforts.
“Without compassion, we remain strangers to one another. With it, we see each other as brothers and sisters,” he stated during a luncheon on the final day of the summit at the Washington Hilton. “Compassion must fuel our commitment to understanding and engaging with those who are different from us. It should be at the heart of our shared work to defend conscience and religious freedom.”
The IRF Summit gathered representatives from over 90 organizations and more than 30 religious traditions to discuss the increasing global threats to religious liberty. Data from IRF indicates that nearly 80% of the world’s population lives in countries with significant restrictions on religious practice. Elder Soares highlighted the alarming rise in religious persecution and called on faith leaders to respond with hope, faith, and dedicated action.
Drawing inspiration from history, Elder Soares shared the story of Corrie Ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who endured a Nazi concentration camp during World War II. He praised her resilience and faith, emphasizing that compassion and belief can foster strength even in the most difficult circumstances.
“I do not wish to minimize the struggles many face, especially where violence and suffering are prevalent,” he said. “However, we can choose whether our painful history will dictate our future.”
Elder Soares also stressed the essential role that religion plays in shaping moral individuals, promoting peace, and strengthening societies. He underscored that religious principles rooted in compassion are fundamental to achieving lasting religious freedom.
“Churches and congregations serve as gathering places that bring communities together,” he observed. “They provide opportunities for people to serve those they may not otherwise engage with and to build meaningful connections across different backgrounds.”
He called on governments to support religious freedom, arguing that doing so benefits society as a whole by fostering dignity, respect, and harmony among diverse communities.
“The defense of religious freedom extends beyond the right to worship,” he asserted. “It is about safeguarding the dignity and respect that all people deserve. While the challenges are complex, it is encouraging to see dedicated individuals working tirelessly to develop meaningful solutions.”
Elder Soares’ participation in the IRF Summit included an opening address earlier in the week, where he spoke about the importance of peace and later engaged in a discussion with Baptist Pastor Bob Roberts Jr. His three-day visit to Washington, D.C., reflects The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ ongoing commitment to fostering interfaith understanding and cooperation.
Concluding his remarks, Elder Soares expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of attendees and encouraged continued collaboration beyond religious and national boundaries.
“May we all unite, across faiths and nations, to build a more compassionate world for everyone, everywhere.”
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