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Church stands by ‘principles of religious freedom,’ Elder Jaggi says at New Zealand event

Luncheon celebrates the 75th year of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, with theme ‘Human dignity for everyone, everywhere’

A leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined with government, community and faith leaders in Wellington, New Zealand, on Nov. 24 to celebrate the 75th year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The event’s theme was “Human dignity for everyone, everywhere.” The Church also produced and presented a new brochure on religious freedom in English and Te Reo Māori, according to a news release.

“We stand by the principles of religious freedom and their foundation of rights and dignity; in that we are all brothers and sisters. The more we do this together the more we can spread happiness and cheer,” said Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi, a General Authority Seventy who serves as second counselor in the Church’s Pacific Area presidency.

Guests at the event included diplomats and dignitaries from countries in the South Pacific and as far away as South Africa.

Church leaders and other guests take a photo in New Zealand.
Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi, General Authority Seventy, hosts guests at a luncheon in Wellington, New Zealand, on Nov. 24, 2023, marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and celebrating human dignity and religious belief. From left: Paul Rytting; Rakesh Naidoo; Jonathan Crawford; Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi; Nkensani Mahloko, charge d’affaires, South Africa High Commission; Tania Torea; Pete Thomson; Mere Fiore; Afamasaga Toleafoa, high commissioner of Samoa; President Paul Clark. Front: Vanisa Dhiru, Rachel Qi, Kim Smith, Sr. Catherine Jones. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In his remarks, Elder Jaggi asked, “Why do Latter-day Saints care so much about religious freedom?” He quoted from Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee.” Elder Jaggi explained that “Latter-day Saints believe fundamentally that we all lived together as children of heavenly parents before we came to this earth.”

“Part of our earthly journey is to support, sustain and build up human dignity in one another with kindness, compassion and peace,” he said. “In an increasingly angry and more secular world, we need gratitude, we need connection, we need kindness and compassion for one another.”

Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi speaks at a religious freedom event.
Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi, General Authority Seventy and a member of the Church’s Pacific Area presidency, speaks at a luncheon held in Wellington, New Zealand, on Nov. 24, 2023, marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and celebrating human dignity and religious belief. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Another speaker at the event was Vanisa Dhiru, who serves as commissioner of the National Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. She discussed examples of working with others to support freedom of responsible expression.

“This participatory approach brings together civil society and communities to discuss ways to increase understanding of human rights and lead to a more inclusive society for all,” Dhiru said.

Rakesh Naidoo, national manager for ethnic partnerships with the New Zealand Police, told about a Christian policeman offering to pray with a woman in distress. The kind gesture was appreciated. Naidoo said New Zealand police officers are encouraged to bring their “full selves to work,” including their faith, within the rule of law, to better serve in their communities.

Paul Rytting, who serves as legal counsel in the Church’s Pacific Area said, “There was a strong spirit of collaboration and purpose with all attendees.”

Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi converses with Rakesh Naidoo at a luncheon held in Wellington, New Zealand.
Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi converses with Rakesh Naidoo at a luncheon held in Wellington, New Zealand, on Nov. 24, 2023. Left, Vanisa Dhiru interacts with other guests. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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