Brigham Young University–Hawaii students hosted the Religious Freedom and Human Dignity Initiative (RFHD) conference, which focused on expanding understanding of religious freedom and human dignity in Oceania and the Asian Rim, according to an April 29 announcement.
The initiative aimed to bring together delegates from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to represent South Asia’s diverse faiths. Organizers said the event was designed to educate students, alumni, and volunteers through events, conferences, and research about the importance of protecting religious freedom and human dignity.
During the opening ceremony, Elder David L. Buckner delivered a keynote address. “I invite you tonight as friends…to think about ways in which we, personally, can change,” Buckner said. He added: “I didn’t see boundaries. I didn’t see borders. I saw light… I saw the beauty of differences.” Buckner encouraged participants to look beyond division toward shared purpose by asking: “Are we looking across the table and seeing differences? Or are we looking heavenward… and seeing light together?” He emphasized that unity does not require uniformity but a willingness to listen, connect, and act: “Rather than sitting idle, ask someone new, ‘What’s your story?’…Everyone has a story.”
Student attendees reflected on their experiences during the conference. Joan Chrisnando said: “Conflict is inevitable, but contention is something that you allow to happen,” adding that dialogue can help find common ground across different faiths through shared values like family or service.
Yna Tamilarason noted how student involvement helped create connections between delegates from regions with historical tensions such as India and Pakistan. “Something I learned from this conference was how huge a role the students have…[They] can make a positive impact on the experience for the delegates,” Tamilarason said.
As the event concluded, participants were encouraged to continue learning about these issues beyond formal sessions by engaging in meaningful dialogue with others from different backgrounds. The conference reflected President David O. McKay’s vision for Brigham Young University–Hawaii as a place where peacemakers are developed for global society.
