Church EU Office Releases Statement Following Renewed Special Envoy Function

The European Union and International Affairs Office of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints welcomes the announcement of President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner Margaritis Schinas to renew the function of Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) outside the EU.

The EU Office of the Church released the following statement:

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints welcomes today’s announcement by President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner Margaritis Schinas to renew the function of Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU. As recently stated by Elder David A. Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church, ‘Religious freedom is paramount among our fundamental rights’ and ‘is fragile’. We look forward to working with the new Special Envoy and to support the promotion and protection of the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief for all and everywhere.”

The said renewal to strengthen the promotion of religious freedom outside the EU will benefit several people both members and non-members of our faith. The Church has been engaging in talks with political leaders, religious leaders, academics, and other officials engaged in FoRB issues since the Church gained membership and recognition in the European Union.