Marmara Group Foundation Trustee and US Representative Kemal Erkan attended the 32nd International Law and Religion Symposium at Brigham Young University in Utah.

Speaking on behalf of President Dr. Akkan Suver, Erkan discussed secular governance, freedom of conscience and respect for diversity as foundations of peaceful coexistence. Strong interest and questions extended the planned 12-minute address to one hour.

Erkan emphasized that secularism protects all beliefs, strengthens democracy and guarantees freedom of religion and conscience by ensuring state neutrality toward religions and denominations.

He noted that democratic states must protect social diversity and build systems in which people of different beliefs, or no belief, can live together freely and peacefully. A pluralist understanding of secularism allows religion social visibility while keeping individual choices beyond state interference and under state protection.

He concluded that faith is inseparable from morality, dignity and modesty and offered respectful greetings to the participants.

Conference coordinator Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Clark and Kemal Erkan