Six BYUH student representatives brought the aloha spirit to Provo for the 2026 Religious Freedom Annual Review
Carrying the spirit of Aloha, a select delegation of six students from Brigham Young University–Hawaii traveled to Provo, Utah, to represent the university at the 2026 Religious Freedom Annual Review on June 16. The conference, sponsored by the International Center for Law and Religion Studies (ICLRS) at the J. Reuben Clark Law School and the Wheatley Institute, brought together a world-wide audience of legal scholars, judges, policymakers, religious leaders, and students.
This year’s conference centered on the timely theme: “The United States of America at 250: Life, Religious Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” In preparation for the U.S. semiquincentennial, the event prompted attendees to examine how religious freedom, equality, and moral agency have fared throughout the nation's history, and to discuss the ongoing legal and cultural challenges ahead.
The BYU–Hawaii delegation was sponsored by the university’s Religious Freedom & Human Dignity Initiative. The six student representatives, Angelou Revil–Pacia (Philippines), Vina Sariah Peralta (Philippines), Trevor Taufa (Australia), Abigail Baird (Utah), Jiae Park (Utah) and Telea Bloomfield (Utah), attended general and breakout sessions, and served as volunteers to help create a welcoming atmosphere at the event.
Bringing Island Hospitality to the Mountain West
For the BYU–Hawaii representatives, volunteering was more than a logistical task — it was an opportunity to practice hospitality as a form of interfaith diplomacy. With warm smiles and sharing the traditional shaka, the BYUH students immediately stood out.
“Greeting delegates with 'Aloha,' welcoming them with a smile, and sharing the shaka reminded me that hospitality is a simple but meaningful form of service,” reflected Vina Sariah Peralta, a senior from the Philippines double majoring in accounting and political science. “Watching delegates smile, return the shaka, and immediately feel welcomed taught me that even small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impression and help people feel like they belong.”
This bridge-building philosophy mirrors the mission of the ICLRS. Brett Scharffs, director of the ICLRS, has previously expressed his deep appreciation for the unique contribution of the North Shore campus.
“We chose BYU–Hawaii because of the Religious Freedom and Human Dignity Initiative here and because of the students who are here,” Scharffs noted in a recent visit to campus. He emphasized that the ICLRS seeks to cultivate a global network of young leaders who can champion freedom of conscience across different nations and cultures.
Beyond the Classroom: Networking and Mentorship
The conference offered the students unprecedented access to top-tier experts. For Angelou Revil–Pacia, a junior political science and psychology major from the Philippines, it was a profound professional and academic awakening.
Revil–Pacia said the Religious Freedom Annual Review was an unforgettable experience that challenged him to think outside of the classroom.
“One of my favourite things was meeting and talking with people from different countries who share a passion for religious freedom, law, and public service,” he said. “These conversations affirmed my interest in a career where I can make a positive impact.”
For Peralta, who plans to pursue both a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, the conference provided a direct blueprint for her future. She connected deeply with Bill Benac, the National Chairman of the Religious Freedom Alliance Council and a co-founder of Pathway India, who is both a CPA and an attorney.
“During his breakout session, he explained that while laws provide important protections, lasting change begins when ordinary people choose to build genuine relationships across different faiths and cultures,” Peralta shared. “Before we parted, I presented him with a kukui nut lei and explained that, in Hawaiian culture, it symbolizes peace, guidance, and light. He was deeply touched, shared his contact information, and encouraged me to continue pursuing both accounting and law.”
Peralta also received valuable guidance on the LSAT, law school applications, and graduate study survival from law students and conference organizers, including Elizabeth Hart, Mariah Sam, Alec Waldvogel, Brianna Brown, and Jacob Jensen.
Listening with Empathy in a Polarized World
A recurring highlight for the student delegates was witnessing the "Multifaith Relations" panel, where representatives from vastly different religious traditions engaged in civil, respectful debate. In an era marked by deep societal divisions, this session left a permanent impression.
Elizabeth Clark, associate director of the ICLRS, addressed this specific cultural challenge during the conference, urging attendees to look toward the “common good” and resist the urge to retreat into ideological silos.
“We’re all aware of the tribalism that is rampant and is certainly not new,” Clark said. “Tribalism is often a shortcut for the laziness of people who don’t want to do the hard work to listen with empathy.” She asserted that there is plenty of room for deep differences while still participating in a shared community project.
Peralta echoed this sentiment, noting, “Watching people disagree respectfully reminded me that meaningful dialogue is possible when we choose understanding over division. Respecting another person's dignity does not require compromising my own beliefs.”
A Call to Future Leaders
The BYUH representatives returned to Laie with a broadened perspective on how interfaith events foster trust, reduce misconceptions and strengthen community ties. Both Revil–Pacia and Peralta strongly encourage other BYUH students to seek out similar opportunities.
“Religious liberty is about more than protecting individual beliefs,” Revil–Pacia concluded. “It is about creating a society where people of different faiths and backgrounds can live, work, and serve together with mutual respect”.
Peralta agreed, emphasizing that the experience she had at the conference cannot be replicated inside a traditional classroom.
“I returned from Utah with mentors who continue to inspire me, friendships that expanded my understanding of the world and a renewed commitment to use my education to protect human dignity, promote religious freedom and make a meaningful difference,” she said.