Women & Peacemaking: Church Leader’s Insights | Church News

“`html

Elder Rasband Calls for WomenS Voices in Global peace and Security Agenda

A Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leader urged greater inclusion of women’s perspectives in international efforts to promote peace and security at the 7th International Forum on Law and Religion held in the Philippines. The forum, which convened over 230 legal professionals, religious leaders, and policymakers, focused on the critical intersection of Women, peace and Security (WPS).

The event, held November 21, 2025, at the University of the Philippines-BGC campus in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, brought together a diverse group to explore issues related to gender, religious identity, legal protections, and community stability. A Dec. 9 report from ChurchofJesusChrist.org detailed the forum’s key discussions and outcomes.

Did you know?– The WPS agenda, adopted by the UN in 2000, recognizes the unique experiences of women in conflict and their crucial role in peacebuilding. It emphasizes protecting women and girls, ensuring their participation in peace processes, and promoting gender equality.

Keynote Address highlights the Power of Faith

Elder James R. Rasband, a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the indispensable role women play in fostering global peace. He asserted that “Women’s voices matter to the flourishing of our communities and nations,” and that their perspectives, rooted in “concious and faith,” are essential to achieving the WPS agenda.

Elder Rasband further stated that religious organizations, despite their imperfections, possess important potential to contribute to peace and security initiatives for women. He specifically highlighted the power of personal religious faith in the peacemaking process, arguing that it brings a unique and valuable dimension to conflict resolution.

Pro tip:– Including diverse perspectives,like those of women of faith,can lead to more lasting and effective peace agreements. Ignoring these voices risks overlooking crucial insights.

The Underrepresentation of Women of Faith

A central theme of Elder Rasband’s address was the critical need to include women of faith in global conversations surrounding peace and security. He pointed out that approximately 80% of the world’s population identifies with a religion, with women constituting the majority of adherents.

“If women of faith don’t participate in the agenda, the world loses its single largest group of potential peacemakers,” he cautioned, underscoring the immense untapped potential for positive change.He encouraged women of faith to confidently share their beliefs and experiences in these vital discussions.

Reader question:– Why is the inclusion of women of faith specifically significant? Their values often emphasize compassion, reconciliation, and community building-qualities vital for lasting peace.

Collaborative Forum and Breakout Sessions

The forum featured six breakout sessions designed to facilitate in-depth discussions led by experts from various fields. These sessions provided a platform for participants to explore specific topics,share experiences,and brainstorm innovative ways to integrate law,religion,and social justice within the Philippine context.

The event was a collaborative effort organized by The Church of jesus Christ of latter-day Saints, the University of the Philippines Law Center: Institute for the Management of Justice, the Brigham Young University International Center for Law and Religion Studies, Religions for Peace Philippines, the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, and the UP Women Lawyers’ Circle.

Also in attendance was Elder William K.Jackson, another General Authority Seventy, demonstrating the Church’s commitment to interfaith dialog and global peacebuilding. Notable attendees included Haidi F. Fajardo, Director of Communication and Publishing for the Church in the Philippines; Hon. Jude A. Acidre, a Member of the House of Representatives; Senator Loren Legarda; and Dr. Aminah Rasul, President of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy.

The