Religious Freedom: Lessons from Japan and the United States

On December 13, 2025, Elder J. Kimo Esplin headed a delegation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at a day-long conference on religion and law at the Doshisha University School of Law in Kyoto. The event, titled “Religious Freedom at Eighty,” marked eight decades since the adoption of Japan’s national Constitution.

The delegation included members of the Church’s National Communication Council, the Office of General Counsel, and priesthood leaders from the Kansai area. During the conference, Elder Esplin remarked:

“[G]atherings like today’s symposium matter profoundly. They remind us that religious liberty is not an abstract concept—it is a living framework for how societies can sustain diversity, nurture moral integrity, and foster peace.”

The Japanese Constitution, influenced by principles found in the U.S. Constitution, includes language affirming freedom of religion and conscience.

DOWNLOAD

Twelve distinguished panelists—experts in social, cultural, historical, legal and religious disciplines—offered presentations that examined religious freedom elements in both constitutions and explored their evolution and application. The discussions highlighted both clear and nuanced differences in how U.S. and Japanese constitutional principles regarding “religious liberty” are interpreted and applied.

A central theme was defining “religion.” Thoughts of broadening the definition to include “moral conscience” aimed at human dignity and humanitarian principles were provocative and helpful.

The presentations and discussions gave rise to an array of valuable working ideas that transform abstract concepts concerning protections of freedom and conscience into living realities.

The keynote speaker was Professor Makoto Oishi (Professor Emeritus at Kyoto University; and former Chair of the Japan Religious Corporations Council). His address offered an insightful tour of the practical and life-giving power of religion and moral conscience, emphasizing the richness they bring to human life and endeavor.

Ultimately, the conference served as a call to action—encouraging conscious efforts to assure, protect, and share the benefits of religion and moral conscience for all God’s children.

DOWNLOAD

In his presentation, Elder Esplin recited the eleventh Article of Faith as a clear statement of the Church’s commitment to freedom of religion and moral conscience.

“We claim the privilege of worshiping 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 Esplin also issued a “call to collaboration,” emphasizing the need for “light” in all lives:

“My hope is that each of us—whether scholar, believer, or seeker—will stand as a witness of that light. Let us defend religious liberty not as a partisan cause, but as a moral commitment. Let us ensure that our churches, temples, and mosques remain sanctuaries for the weary and schools for the soul. Let us model the respect, humility, and kindness that we hope others will extend to us.

In the end, the goal of religious liberty is not merely to protect belief—it is to protect believers, to uphold the sacred dignity of every child of God, and to create a society where people of faith and goodwill can labor side by side in harmony.”

The event was organized through collaboration between the University of Texas at Austin Bech-Loughlin First Amendment Center and Doshisha University School of Law. Professor Steven Collis of the University of Texas School of Law conceived and championed the idea for this gathering of minds and hearts to address a topic of global significance. The enthusiastic support of Professor Tetsuji Matsumoto, Dean of Doshisha Law School, combined with the expertise of the panelists and keynote speaker, made the conference both effective and memorable.

For more information about the institutions and presenters, please visit: Bech-Loughlin First Amendment Center | Eighty Years of Religious Liberty in Japan,