RIYADH, Saudi Arabia-Wednesday, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said the labeling of religion as a non-essential activity by certain governments has placed an unfortunate stumbling block along the path to recovery in the wake of covid-19.
This was done during the G20 Interfaith Forum which lasts through Saturday at Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Elder Bednar said religious activities “should be carefully limited” when necessary and said individual safety is a “core concern.”
However, he also said that how secular officials understand religion and religious people deeply influences how religious institutions and believers are regarded in times of crisis.
The impetus of this forum is to pursue solutions to global problems via collaboration with a wide array of worldwide political and religious leaders.
Per Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the charter for freedom of religion and belief from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, religious freedom is recognized in international law as a “non-derogable” right.
Elder Bednar also said religious groups can assist in combating misinformation as they debunk rumors, assuage fears and contribute to sharing factual information about their respective sects.
Sister Sharon Eubank, the first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency of the Church and of Latter-day Saint Charities, will address the forum Saturday.
