In a recent social media post, Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency, discussed her visit to Iraq to discuss religious intolerance. She noted the shock of the audience at seeing a female religious leader and asked followers to share thoughts on ending persecution and violence everywhere.
“Recently I traveled to Baghdad, Iraq, to meet with religious leaders and politicians to find practical actions to end religious persecution. When it came time for my panel, I was announced as ‘Father Eubank.’ I walked up to the dais along with my co-panelists from a variety of faiths and there was an audible gasp from the audience, who were not expecting a female leader. After the surprise receded, this panel spoke movingly about why freedom of religion and conscience is perhaps the great relevant issue of the 21st century. So much modern conflict and displacement is being driven by religious persecution. We were gathered that day in Baghdad in defense of the Yezidi religious minority who continues to suffer as 3,300 of their women and children are still held in captivity.
Joseph Smith said in 1843, “I am bold to declare before Heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any denomination . . . who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves. It is a love of liberty which inspires my soul — civil and religious liberty to the whole of the human race.”
It’s not enough that we offer humanitarian aid after the violence. What can we do to reduce violence and persecution right where we live? It’s a serious question for me as a Christian and a Latter-day Saint. What do you do personally that protects the faith and belief of others? How do you share your own beliefs and still respect others who may be very different? Father Eubank would be glad to hear.”
How would you answer Sister Eubank’s questions?
