Why We Began…

The Las Vegas Alliance for Religious Freedom and Human Dignity was formed to support liberty, conscience, and belief in our community. We believe that freedom of religion is defined by the right of all people to live their lives in accordance with their core beliefs.  This belief is embedded in our Constitution and way of life.  

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free excersize thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to peacably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

- Amendment I, the U.S. Bill of Rights

The Alliance had its start with two people who held these principles as integral to the American way of life and international peace. These individuals met at an event and began to discuss what could be done to strengthen civility and human dignity in the Las Vegas community. The idea of a symposium focusing on why religious freedom and human dignity are important was hatched, with the thought that it should be organized by an interfaith alliance.  Within months, and with the generous involvement of many like-minded individuals, the Las Vegas Alliance of Religious Freedom and Human Dignity became a reality.

“There is a paradox in religious freedom—if I want my religious freedom to be protected, then I must protect the religious freedom of those who believe in a basically different way from my own. This is our task. And it will be our ongoing challenge.  Religious freedom is more than a right; it is a duty.”

- Dallin H. Oaks

It is our fervent hope that this group will have an influence on the civility of public discourse in the community and that the symposium will become a regular event in Las Vegas for those of collected faiths, religions, and beliefs.

- MaryBeth Scow, Co-Founder of LVARFAHD