Religious pluralism, human dignity, and mutual respect were central themes as global and interfaith leaders—including representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—gathered in Harare, Zimbabwe, on January 16–17, 2026, for the Zimbabwe Religious Freedom Conference. The two-day event welcomed 119 participants from 11 nations, including delegates from Ethiopia, Eswatini, Germany, Lesotho, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, the United States, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Held under the theme “Religious Pluralism: Promoting Mutual Respect, Human Dignity, and Multi-faith Harmony in Africa,” the two-day conference brought together faith leaders, scholars, and civic voices to examine how religious freedom contributes to peaceful coexistence and social cohesion within Zimbabwe and across the African continent.
Across panel discussions and site visits, participants emphasized that religious freedom is essential to building pluralistic societies where unity and harmony can thrive amid diverse cultural and religious communities.
Speaking during a panel discussion that featured reflections from multiple religious leaders addressing key challenges and opportunities related to religious freedom, Elder Vaiangina Sikahema, General Authority Seventy and Second Counselor in the Africa South Area Presidency, said, “Freedom of religion and respect for the diverse beliefs of others is not just a principle. It is a fundamental human right that protects the conscience of all people.”
He added that this principle has practical implications for societies, noting, “Religious freedom safeguards the right of all who hold their own beliefs to express them openly without fear of persecution or being denied equal rights of citizenship.”
That shared moral responsibility was echoed by other faith leaders at the conference. Sheik Ishmail A. Duwa, president of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe, reminded participants of the sacred trust placed upon those in positions of influence. “If you are a leader, you are trusted by God, and remember, the people whom you are leading, they were created by God.”
Elder Erich W. Kopischke, General Authority Seventy, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasized the shared values that unite faith traditions, saying, “I think we have much more in common than what separates us. For example, our belief in God, our desire to worship, and our desire to pray.” He added, “We foster harmony by respecting the views of others. We actively defend the freedom of faith of others, and we choose peaceful coexistence.”
Other interfaith voices reinforced the urgency of this message in a world marked by division and conflict. Ambassador Mussie Hailu highlighted the importance of peace as a shared priority across faiths and nations, saying, “This conference is a reminder of our duty to promote peace, religious pluralism, and harmony in a world where conflict disrupts life, peace remains the cornerstone for a just and sustainable future.”
The conference continued the following day with a panel on Human Dignity and the Law in Africa, moderated by Siya Mkhize, in his capacity as the Area Chair for the J Reuben Clark Law Society in the Africa South Area and a partner at Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys. Siya Mkhize (who also serves an Area Seventy in the Africa South Area) guided the discussion on the role of legal frameworks in protecting religious freedom and upholding human dignity across the continent.
Elder Ignatius Maziofa, Area Seventy in the Africa South Area and a native of Zimbabwe, moderated a panel focused on Ubuntu in Action and the impact of religion on society across Southern Africa. The conversation explored how faith communities can model compassion, shared humanity, and collective responsibility in practical ways that strengthen social harmony.
Later that same day, conference participants visited several religious sites in Harare, including the Cathedral of St. Mary and All Saints and the Masjid Al Abbas Islamic Cultural Institute. These visits reflected the conference’s emphasis on understanding various religious experiences and demonstrated how mutual respect is strengthened through direct engagement with diverse faith communities.
The conference concluded with a guided tour of the Harare Zimbabwe Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the first Temple in the country which was recently completed. The timing of the Conference coincided with the Temple Open House which allowed an opportunity to the various Religious leaders to visit and experience the purpose and significance of Latter-day Saints temples.
Reflecting on the experience following the tour, Sister Diana Kanyere, Zimbabwe National Coordinator, expressed how moved she was. “The temple experience has been an eye opener and gave me a greater appreciation for other religions,” she said.
Dr. Josina da Graça Simone Sitole Macia, Mozambique’s Deputy Director in the National Directorate of Religious Affairs, expressed similar sentiments, saying the experience left her feeling spiritually uplifted. “I felt so blessed. I felt the Holy Spirit.”
Together, the discussions and religious site visits reinforced a common message: religious freedom is not only a right, but a foundation for dignity, peace, and harmony in increasingly diverse societies
The Conference was co-sponsored by the Center and the following academic and professional institutions: the Africa University School of Law, the Catholic University of Zimbabwe, the University of Zimbabwe School of Law, the Zimbabwe Open University, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, the Zimbabwe Inter-Religious Council, the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University School of Law, the Law Firm of Coghlan, Welsh & Guest, and the J. Reuben Clark Law Society–Africa and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.