Senator Amanda Stoker, Senator for Queensland, met in Brisbane with religious leaders, legal professionals and academics on Wednesday 25th November to discuss freedom of religion or belief, over a specially convened luncheon.
Highlights of last month’s 27th Annual International Law and Religion Symposium at Brigham Young University were presented to guests prior to hearing remarks from Senator Stoker.
“I hope that today we can hold a discussion over lunch to hear each other’s views, find common ground, and determine to unite in protecting and preserving the religious freedom which we claim,” Senator Stoker said.
Mr. Habib Jamal, President of Islamic Council of Queensland; and Senator Amanda Stoker.
Left to right: Mr. Habib Jamal, president of the Islamic Council of Queensland; and Senator Amanda Stoker. Photo credit: Ethan Roberts.© 2020 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
“Human rights come from God and not from man,” Senator Stoker said. “The Holy Spirit is the force of change in us, rather than any force that man can apply.”
Speaking of a draft bill aimed at safeguarding religious freedom or belief for all, Senator Stoker said:
“While no law is perfect, this is a good start to help provide protections for those wishing to express their faith."
In his remarks, Elder Carl R. Maurer, Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared an article of faith from his religion.
“We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where or what they may.”
Elder Carl R. Maurer, Area Seventy in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks to guests at a luncheon in Brisbane, Australia, on the topic of religious freedom.
Elder Carl R. Maurer, Area Seventy in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks to guests at a luncheon in Brisbane, Australia, on the topic of religious freedom. Photo credit: Ethan Roberts.2020 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Elder Maurer continued: “Our church teaches and believes in fairness for all.”
Guests were given a copy of a booklet, titled, “Human Dignity for Everyone, Everywhere.”