A group of BYU–Hawaii students recently joined world leaders, scholars, and faith representatives at the 32nd Annual International Law and Religion Symposium, held October 5 to 7, 2025, at the J. Reuben Clark Law School of Brigham Young University. Centered on the theme “Building Paths to Flourishing: Regional, National, and International Protections of Religious Freedom,” the symposium gathered 135 delegates from 50 countries to discuss how faith, law, and human dignity intersect globally.
Representing BYU–Hawaii’s Religious Freedom and Human Dignity Initiative, eight students worked alongside faculty mentors and international dignitaries to facilitate sessions, take notes, and network with participants from Asia, Oceania, and beyond. Their participation advanced BYU–Hawaii’s mission to prepare men and women who will live and lead in their professions, promoting peace and mutual respect across nations.
Learning from Global Leaders
The symposium featured keynote speakers, including Baroness Elizabeth Rose Berridge of Oxford University, Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman of India, Father James Channan of Pakistan, and Congressman Jude Acidre of the Philippines. Through plenary sessions and roundtable discussions, students engaged directly with judges, ministers, scholars, and religious leaders, experiencing firsthand the global impact of interfaith collaboration.
Britlyn Smith, a junior from Arizona double-majoring in business management and English, said the experience embodied BYU–Hawaii’s mission of living one’s faith in global service. “The symposium taught me that religious freedom and human dignity can be strengthened as we work as a global community in creative ways,” Smith said. “BYU–Hawaii teaches us to be innovative leaders who participate in the global service of our God and neighbor, and the opportunity to live what I learn was only enhanced as I participated in the Symposium.”
Smith added that the event felt like a glimpse of the future, saying, “It felt like how a BYU–Hawaii reunion would feel in twenty years when my classmates and friends meet in our established careers to solve world problems together through forums and dialogue.”
Faith, Dialogue, and Global Perspective
Gwyneth Angel Valerio, a sophomore from the Philippines double-majoring in construction and facilities management and intercultural peacebuilding, found the experience deeply personal. “Attending the Symposium was such a humbling and life-changing experience,” Valerio said. “Everything I’ve been learning about dialogue, empathy, and moral leadership came alive in such a real and meaningful way.”
She reflected on how faith can unite rather than divide. “I was deeply touched to see people from other religions pray for our prophet and express gratitude for our Church’s efforts to promote peace and understanding,” she said. “Witnessing that unity made me believe in humanity again.”
Valerio said the experience mirrored the spirit of Laie. “It reminded me so much of BYU–Hawaii, where people from all over the world come together in unity and love despite our differences,” she said. “The symposium showed that even from a small island campus, BYU–Hawaii students can take part in global conversations that promote understanding, compassion, and collaboration.”
“Faith as a Foundation”
Riji Levaci, a senior from Fiji majoring in social work, said the symposium reinforced his commitment to using faith as a foundation for leadership. “Attending the symposium was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of religious freedom and the moral responsibility that comes with it,” Levaci said. “When we belong to a majority faith, we hold a unique duty to safeguard the rights of minority religions.”
Levaci emphasized that the lessons learned have tangible implications for BYU–Hawaii students. “Here at BYU–Hawaii, we have students who have faced, and will continue to face, persecution for practicing their faith in their home countries,” he said. “Their stories call us to be more mindful, compassionate, and active in advocating for the protection of this sacred freedom.”
Law and Faith
Neelima Mungamuri, a sophomore from India double-majoring in social work and intercultural peacebuilding, said the conference provided an opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting.
“Attending the symposium was where I was able to put my learning in action and connect with various leaders and delegates, building bridges across the world,” she said. “It enlightened my understanding and increased my respect for different perspectives.”
She added that the experience strengthened her faith and sense of purpose. “This event taught me that in the world there will be different perspectives and ways about faith and beliefs,” Mungamuri said. “But being a disciple of Jesus Christ and a student of BYUH, I will always seek to apply these principles and work with cultural and religious sensitivity.”
Global Impact
Faculty mentors accompanying the students said the symposium was not only a success but a glimpse of the university’s global impact in action.
Jennifer Kajiyama Tinkham, chair of the RFHD Initiative and adjunct assistant professor of political science, highlighted the professionalism and purpose of the BYU–Hawaii participants.
“Our students sat with judges, ministers, and faith leaders and were treated as partners in solving real problems,” Tinkham said. “They came home with internships, mentors, and a clearer sense of calling. This is BYU–Hawaii at its best, preparing peacemakers for Oceania and the Asian Rim.
Dr. Aaron Shumway, director of the Faculty of Religious Education, added, “Our students performed spectacularly. Not only did they fulfill their assignments in helping run the conference, but they also excelled in networking and making important connections that will bless them and BYU–Hawaii in the future.”
The Vision in Action
Beyond the lessons and connections, the trip reflected the heart of President David O. McKay’s charge to educate men and women to be examples “to the world of intercultural peace and unity through living the teachings of Jesus Christ.”
By engaging with global leaders and representing the RFHD Initiative, these students demonstrated how spiritual conviction, academic excellence, and intercultural understanding can combine to build peace across borders.
As Valerio summarized, “The symposium showed that we are not only students of peace, but we are builders of it.”