Brasília hosted the 2nd Brazilian Symposium of Religious Freedom, themed "Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: The Role of Religious Freedom in Building a Free, Just and Mutually Supportive Society." The event was a collaborative effort involving the Brazilian Center for the Study of Religious Liberty at the Federal University of Uberlândia (CEDIRE) and the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University. Following last year's successful inaugural event in Rio de Janeiro, the symposium returned to Brazil's capital to explore the vital role of religious freedom in fostering harmony. Following the symposium the seminar titled "The Role of Advocacy in Promoting Religious Freedom," jointly organized by the Federal Council of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) through its Special Commission on Religious Freedom and the Religious Freedom Commissions of OAB branches in various states and the J. Reuben Clark Law Society in Brazil. This seminar, held on August 11, explored the legal and social dimensions of religious freedom and its intrinsic link to a just and inclusive society.
Reflecting on the seminar's significance, Beto Simonetti, the national president of OAB, remarked, "It is within this institution that we have the duty to discuss and shed light on what our Federal Constitution guarantees, which is also an important freedom to be exercised: religious freedom." He further underlined the responsibility of civil society to ensure every Brazilian can exercise their faith with security and freedom. As part of the symposium's activities, a tribute was paid to the governor of the Federal District, Ibaneis Rocha, on Lawyer's Day for his exceptional governance and unwavering commitment to religious diversity. In his heartfelt response, Governor Rocha expressed his gratitude. The event can be watched on the Brazilian Bar Association's YouTube channel. He shared his aspiration to return to the legal profession, aiming to contribute further to the legal landscape and legal work. Then, J. Reuben Clark Law Society members engaged in an afternoon of volunteer work with refugees in Brazil.
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