Introduction to the EU & International Affairs Office
The European Union & International Affairs Office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints plays a vital role in promoting the Church’s mission within Europe and internationally. Their 2024 Annual Report outlines key activities centered around three pillars: Family, Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), and Humanitarian Aid. This report offers insight into how the Church collaborates with EU institutions, multilateral organizations, civil society, and other churches to strengthen communities and uphold fundamental human rights.
The Core Mission: Family, Freedom of Religion, and Humanitarian Aid
Family: The Foundation of Society
The Church views family as the essential unit of society. Families provide stability, nurturing environments, and the foundation for individuals to develop virtues and thrive. Strong families foster well-being, economic prosperity, education, and social cohesion. Recognizing the impact of laws and policies on family life, the Church advocates for supportive measures that enhance family stability and societal health.
Strengthening Families Initiative
In 2024, the office began the “Strengthening Families: A Cornerstone of Sustainable Societies” initiative in partnership with the Sutherland Institute. This initiative included a webinar series addressing the intersection of families with economic prosperity, education, health, human rights, and religious freedom. Experts shared innovative solutions to support families amidst societal changes.
European Family Values Award
The annual European Family Values Award honors individuals and organizations making significant contributions to family welfare. In 2024, recipients included Fundacion Madrina, supporting maternal and child poverty in Spain, and Dr. Michael Blume, a German advocate for interfaith support for Yazidi survivors of genocide. This event fosters dialogue among diplomats, religious leaders, and civil society, reinforcing family values as central to social progress.
Utah Family Policy Exchange
A cross-continental policy exchange was held in Utah, bringing together European and Utah family policy advocates to share best practices. This forum strengthened mutual understanding and encouraged collaborative strategies to enhance family support systems in both regions.
Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB): A Cornerstone of Human Rights
The Importance of Religious Freedom
FoRB is a fundamental human right essential for all other liberties. It guarantees individuals the freedom to choose, practice, or change their religion or beliefs, or to have none. The Church’s office actively promotes FoRB not only for its members but for all individuals, recognizing its broader societal impact.
Interfaith Dialogue and the “Harmony in Diversity” Webinar Series
To combat societal divisions, the office hosted the “Harmony in Diversity: Unveiling Faiths for a Shared Future” webinar series. This platform fostered understanding and respect among different faith communities, featuring interviews with religious advocates from varied backgrounds.
Legal Framework and EU Engagement
Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) mandates regular dialogue between EU institutions and religious organizations. The office leverages this framework to advocate for religious freedom, hosting briefings on the EU’s human rights strategies and collaborating with civil society to support human rights defenders.
Advocacy for FoRB in the European Parliament
Ahead of the 2024 European Parliament elections, the office engaged in advocacy efforts urging elected officials to prioritize FoRB and family-friendly policies. Letters were sent to incoming Members of the European Parliament urging commitment to these causes. The Church also encouraged its members to participate civically while maintaining political neutrality.
International Women’s Day and Religious Freedom for Women
In honor of International Women’s Day 2024, the office hosted President Camille N. Johnson, leader of the Church’s Relief Society, who emphasized women’s role in religious freedom and global peace. At a European Parliament panel and a dinner attended by female ambassadors and civil society leaders, discussions highlighted women’s resilience in advocating for FoRB and the importance of global sisterhood and empowerment.
Humanitarian Aid: Compassion in Action
Global Humanitarian Commitments
The Church’s humanitarian efforts in Europe and worldwide address urgent needs such as emergency response, clean water, maternal and newborn care, food security, and healthcare. These projects are funded by donations and are inclusive of all individuals regardless of race, gender, or faith.
Power of Partnership to Accelerate Well-being
In 2024, the office hosted a roundtable event titled “Power of Partnership to Accelerate the Well-being of Women and Children,” collaborating with UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and Save the Children. Discussions emphasized the importance of coordinated action to prevent crises and alleviate suffering, reinforcing the value of partnerships among governments, NGOs, and faith-based groups.
Humanitarian Roundtable and Impact
Speakers highlighted the critical need for direct assistance during crises and the importance of preventive measures to stop disasters before they occur. The Church’s commitment to “forgotten emergencies” was praised, and the evening dinner with diplomats underscored the shared values that unite humanitarian efforts globally.
Diplomatic Outreach: Building Bridges Across Cultures
Fostering International Cooperation
The Church’s EU & International Affairs Office actively cultivates relationships with ambassadors, diplomats, and international organizations in Brussels. These connections promote mutual respect, religious freedom, and collaborative humanitarian projects.
Cultural Events as Diplomatic Tools
The office hosts cultural events such as concerts and performances by Brigham Young University’s Synthesis Jazz Band and Living Legends dance troupe. These gatherings bring together diplomats, religious leaders, and civil society representatives, fostering goodwill and enhancing intercultural understanding.
Light the World Dinner
The annual “Light the World” dinner exemplifies the Church’s commitment to service, encouraging attendees to emulate Christlike compassion through acts of kindness during the Christmas season. The event gathers diplomats and interfaith friends to reinforce the spirit of service and unity.
Networking and Global Engagement
Respecting Religious Diversity
The Church values the contributions of diverse religious and philosophical traditions. It actively participates in networks like the European Platform against Religious Intolerance and Discrimination (EPRID) and the European Policy Centre (EPC) to promote freedom of religion and influence EU policy.
Global Network and Area Offices
The Church operates government relations offices worldwide, including Brussels, Washington D.C., New York, Geneva, Los Angeles, and Addis Ababa. These offices engage with governments, international bodies, and civil society to promote religious freedom, humanitarian aid, and family values.
Academic Contributions
The International Center for Law and Religion Studies (ICLRS) at Brigham Young University supports global religious freedom research, furthering the Church’s mission through academic leadership.
Connecting with the European Union Office
Team and Mission
Since its opening in 2013, the Brussels office has advised Church leaders on EU policies aligned with faith, family, religious freedom, and humanitarian assistance. The 2024 team, led by Director Francesco Di Lillo, includes government relations representatives and dedicated interns from diverse countries, reflecting the global nature of the Church’s mission.
Contact and Online Presence
The office is located at Avenue des Arts 19, 1210 Brussels, Belgium. It maintains active engagement through social media and mailing lists, inviting public participation and awareness of ongoing events and initiatives.
Conclusion
The 2024 Annual Report of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ European Union & International Affairs Office highlights a comprehensive approach to strengthening families, defending religious freedom, and providing humanitarian aid. Through collaboration with international partners, diplomatic outreach, and community engagement, the Church continues to foster resilient societies grounded in faith, freedom, and compassion across Europe and beyond.
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