By Brian Grim

Imagine an office at The Vatican charged with promoting among socially motivated professional and business leaders the teaching of the church regarding the dignity of workers and other business related principles! It’s right in the same central building as houses the Secretariate of State and the Papal apartment, where I’m standing with Oliver Galea (C), Secretary General at Fondazione Centesimus Annus – Pro Pontifice, and Cristi Buceceanu (R), moderator for Consulus in Europe.

Fondazione Centesimus Annus – Pro Pontifice was established in 1993 by St. John Paul II to promote the teachings from his 1991 encyclical, Centesimus Annus, which updated the 1891 encyclical by Pope Leo XIII responding to the new challenges of the Industrial Revolution.

And now the new Pope, who chose as his name Pope Leo XIV, as a signal that he is carrying on the church’s response to the AI Revolution, which is defining a whole new era of humanity’s relationship to work and the economy.

My colleague, Lawrence Chong, Group CEO of Consulus, will speak at their annual convention on Friday, and explore ways we can support the work of this unique Vatican Foundation.

Join the UK Faith@Work network for a fascinating discussion of brand new research into how spiritual values not only can inform and reinforce corporate values but also can transform society.

Get a sneak peek from Brian Grim PhD into the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation’s new comparative study on how spiritual values relate to the differing core values of the world’s most valuable companies in Europe, the U.S., Asia and China.

Also, Dilwar Hussain MBE will provide an overview of the findings of a new study — Virtues of Faith: Survey Findings — conducted by the Good Faith Partnership (GFP) in collaboration with the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham. The survey sought 500 quantitative responses from members of the public in the UK, of six distinct backgrounds: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and Humanism / no religion.

When? Thursday, 9th October, 1pm UK (8am ET), via zoom. Register today!

A Safeguard Against Misuse of Religion

In today’s world — marked by war, political instability, and technological upheaval — religious freedom for all (including for those without a religion) is more vital than ever. It ensures that multiple moral voices can speak into complex issues, offering wisdom, compassion, and ethical guidance. It promotes peace by fostering mutual respect, and it drives prosperity by unlocking the full potential of every individual, regardless of belief.

Religious freedom is a foundational pillar of thriving societies. It allows individuals to live according to their deepest convictions while contributing to the common good. When protected, it fosters pluralism, encourages ethical leadership, and helps prevent the misuse of religion for political or ideological gain.

Ultimately, religious freedom is not just a human right — it is a strategic asset for building resilient and flourishing societies. Read more for global examples.

Author: Brian Grim

Interfaith America is launching RISE (Religious Inclusion, Skill-building & Engagement), an annual learning journey for corporate and health care partners seeking to advance a culture of religious inclusion at their institutions.

Benefits include quarterly Community of Practice meetings, curated digital resources, quarterly email digests, exclusive introduction to the 2026 Faith-Friendly Workplace “REDI” Index, and ongoing connections and conversations through the “Religious Inclusion & Collaboration in the Workplace” LinkedIn group. Organizational members also get access to exclusive trainings and strategy sessions with IA staff. Applications are open until Friday, October 3, and the launch date is October 16.

By Brian Grim

A Safeguard Against Misuse

Religious freedom for all (including for those without a religion) is a foundational pillar of thriving societies. It allows individuals to live according to their deepest convictions while contributing to the common good. When protected, it fosters pluralism, encourages ethical leadership, and helps prevent the misuse of religion for political or ideological gain.

Throughout history, nations that have upheld religious freedom have often experienced greater peace and prosperity. Consider these global examples:

• – The United States, founded on principles of religious liberty, became a magnet for immigrants seeking refuge from persecution. This diversity of faith traditions enriched American civic life and fueled innovation, entrepreneurship, and social reform. Religious freedom helped ensure that no single group could dominate the moral discourse, allowing for a vibrant marketplace of ideas.
• – Post-war Germany rebuilt its democratic institutions with strong protections for religious freedom, learning from the catastrophic consequences of religious and ethnic persecution under the Nazi regime. These protections have helped foster reconciliation, social cohesion, and a robust civil society.
• – India, despite its challenges, has long been home to a tapestry of religions. Its constitutional commitment to religious freedom has enabled interfaith dialogue and coexistence, even amid tensions. Where upheld, this freedom has supported democratic resilience and economic dynamism.
• – The Netherlands in the 17th century became a haven for religious refugees, including Jews, Huguenots, and dissenting Christians. This openness not only reduced sectarian conflict but also helped the Dutch Republic become a center of commerce, science, and intellectual exchange during its Golden Age.
• – South Korea, after decades of authoritarian rule, embraced democratic reforms in the late 20th century that included protections for religious freedom. Today, it is home to vibrant religious communities—Christian, Buddhist, and others—that contribute to civil society, education, and humanitarian work. Religious freedom has helped fuel South Korea’s rapid economic development and social innovation.
• – Botswana, one of Africa’s most stable democracies, has long upheld religious freedom as part of its inclusive governance model. This respect for diversity has contributed to peaceful coexistence among faith groups and supported the country’s steady economic growth and democratic resilience.
• – Singapore, despite its strict regulatory environment, has made religious harmony a national priority. Through interfaith councils and legal protections, it has cultivated a society where multiple religions coexist peacefully. This stability has been key to Singapore’s emergence as a global financial and cultural hub.
• – Brazil, with its constitutional guarantee of religious freedom, has seen faith-based organizations play a major role in addressing poverty, education, and healthcare. The country’s religious diversity—Catholic, Evangelical, Afro-Brazilian, and others—has enriched its cultural life and supported grassroots development.

By contrast, where religious freedom is denied, societies often suffer. Myanmar’s persecution of the Rohingya, China’s repression of Uyghur Muslims, and Iran’s restrictions on religious minorities illustrate how the suppression of religious liberty leads to human rights abuses, social unrest, and international condemnation.

Religious freedom also acts as a check against the hijacking of religion. In pluralistic societies, no single group can monopolize spiritual authority or use it to marginalize others. Open dialogue and accountability help preserve the integrity of religious traditions and prevent their exploitation for political gain.

In today’s world—marked by war, political instability, and technological upheaval—religious freedom is more vital than ever. It ensures that multiple moral voices can speak into complex issues, offering wisdom, compassion, and ethical guidance. It promotes peace by fostering mutual respect, and it drives prosperity by unlocking the full potential of every individual, regardless of belief.

Ultimately, religious freedom is not just a human right—it is a strategic asset for building inclusive, resilient, and flourishing societies.

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints smiles while having lunch with local dignitaries in Concepcion, Chile on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. Creative Commons.

In Memory: President Russell M. Nelson (1924–2025)

President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their revered prophet, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, at the age of 101. A man of science and spirit, President Nelson leaves behind a legacy of profound transformation, global outreach, religious freedom, and unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ.

Born in Salt Lake City in 1924, President Nelson was a world-renowned heart surgeon before being called to full-time Church service in 1984 as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In 2018, he became the 17th president of the Church, guiding more than 17 million members worldwide through a period of remarkable growth and spiritual renewal.

A Legacy of Religious Freedom and Interfaith Respect

President Nelson was a tireless advocate for religious liberty, emphasizing that the right to worship freely is not only a civil right but a sacred duty. Under his leadership, the Church expanded its humanitarian efforts, strengthened interfaith partnerships, and supported legislation that balanced religious freedom with human dignity.

His commitment was rooted in the Church’s 11th Article of Faith, which declares:

“We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”

This principle guided the Church’s global engagement, including its support for faith-friendly workplaces, interreligious dialogue, and the protection of minority faiths.

A Personal Tribute

Dr. Brian Grim, founding president of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation and a practicing Roman Catholic, shared a personal reflection on President Nelson’s powerful influence:

“I remember when President Nelson invited me to address the Area Committee, a gathering of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Presiding Bishopric. I spoke of the work we’re doing—how businesses and leaders are embracing interfaith understanding and religious freedom through a variety of ways including faith-friendly workplaces. It was a moment of profound affirmation, not just of the mission, but of the spirit behind it.

His thank-you letter, gracious and heartfelt, humble and hopeful, remains one of my most cherished possessions. In it, I felt not just gratitude, but a quiet echo of divine encouragement.”

A Prophet of Peace and Progress

President Nelson’s ministry was marked by bold reforms, including a renewed emphasis on the name of the Church, a restructuring of worship practices, and the announcement of hundreds of new temples. He received the inaugural Gandhi-King-Mandela Peace Prize for his efforts to promote peace and religious harmony.

His teachings, travels, and tireless service touched millions across continents and cultures. He will be remembered not only as a prophet but as a bridge-builder, a healer, and a man whose life bore witness to the power of faith in action.

President Nelson is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and millions of members who considered him a spiritual father.

Building on the Forum’s ongoing engagement with religion, spirituality and values, this session brings together members of the Faith in Action community to explore how shared moral principles can translate into concrete contributions to global challenges. In a world marked by fragmentation and uncertainty, faith-based actors play an increasingly vital role in advancing equity, sustainability and social cohesion.

This session serves as a space for trusted dialogue on how values-driven leadership can drive meaningful partnerships, community engagement and systems change. The session is part of the World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Development Impact Meetings 2025 in New York City.

On the Agenda

• – Reflect on shared moral values and their role in addressing global and technological challenges
• – Highlight faith-led efforts to promote human dignity in AI development and AI-fuelled economic systems
• – Identify opportunities for deeper collaboration within and beyond the Faith in Action community

Speakers

Moderated by Dr. Alexis Crow, Partner, Chief Economist PwC

With: Dan Schulman, Vice-Chairman Valor Capital; Kahlil (KB) Byrd, CEO and Founder Shur; and Sigrid Marz, President International Christian Union of Business Executives (UNIAPAC); Hosted by David Sangokoya, Head of Civil Society Impact, World Economic Forum

Participants include Dr. Brian Grim, President of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation.

The Religious Freedom & Business Foundation’s latest research is on how Spiritual Values Inform & Reinforce Corporate Values.

We are convening a series of virtual and in-person events showcasing how the teachings and spiritualities of various major religious traditions directly contribute to the core values of key institutions including Fortune 500 companies. This initiative includes national virtual events as well as in-person events at major corporate headquarters around the U.S. and a national roundtable in Washington DC.

The project will also encourage people who have put this to practice in their workplaces to also take it to their communities.

Email us if you’d like to be a part! Also, if you are outside the U.S. and would like to lead a national initiative on this for your country, please email as well.

The Value of Engagement

As companies increasingly embrace values-based leadership and ethical governance, they are recognizing that spiritual values—such as compassion, humility, integrity, and service—are not confined to any one tradition but are shared across many. These values, whether rooted in  Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, or secular humanism, contribute to core corporate principles like respect, transparency, and social responsibility. This relates to covenantal pluralism—a framework that encourages people of different faiths and worldviews to engage one another not merely in tolerance, but in mutual respect and shared commitment to the common good.

Covenantal pluralism goes beyond coexistence; it calls for intentional collaboration across differences, grounded in trust and a shared moral vision. For businesses, this means cultivating environments where spiritual and ethical perspectives are welcomed as sources of insight and strength. By embracing covenantal pluralism, organizations can foster cultures that are not only inclusive but also deeply principled—where E pluribus unum is not just accepted, but actively contributes to the company’s mission, values, and long-term success.

Religious persecution largely results from government restrictions and social actions limiting religious freedoms (as we showed in The Price of Freedom Denied). However, we found one other direct cause of religious persecution: War.

As President Trump and world leaders seek to help bring an end to the Ukraine War, the religious elements cannot be ignored, including the way Vladimir Putin has marshaled the Russian Orthodox Church as an ally both inside and outside of Russia, including in the U.S.

After Putin walked off the stage with Trump in Alaska, he then drove across the base to the Fort Richardson National Cemetery. There, Putin met and exchanged gifts with Alexei, the American Orthodox Archbishop of Sitka and Alaska (pictured above and below). This understandably drew criticism. The Ukrainian Orthodox bishops in the U.S. called it a “betrayal of Christian witness” in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war.

But having a religious meeting on the agenda is standard fare for Putin who frequently meets with Orthodox leaders in Russia and on his trips abroad (see photos of Putin’s visits to Orthodox churches in North Korea, China, Brazil, etc. below). Putin even reportedly raised defense of the Russian Orthodox (ROC) Church as a demand to be met in any peace settlement. For example, all organizations in Ukraine with ties to Russia, including the ROC, are banned.

Without taking religion into account, peace may not be possible. As I argued two years ago in Deseret News, one key finding from our ASR research speaks to this ongoing crisis is that war itself reinforces religious persecution and violence, creating a cycle of violence in which deterioration of religious freedom becomes difficult to stop.

If you missed last week’s newsletter, the them is worth repeating: religious freedom for all is a recipe for sustainable economic development – something the communities eventually recovering from war sorely need!

Brian Grim, Ph.D.
President, Religious Freedom & Business Foundation
Global Chair, Dare to Overcome

ALASKA: Following Russia-US talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin, presented American Archbishop Alexei of Sitka and Alaska with an icon of St Herman of Alaska, an Orthodox patron of America. The Ukrainian Orthodox bishops in the U.S. called it a “betrayal of Christian witness” in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, is no stranger to tapping into the soft power of the Russian Orthodox Church to reinforce his political and military power. And the church does not appear to be shy about tapping into the hard power of the Russian state to reinforce its social, temporal and even (in their view) spiritual power.

The Russian Orthodox Church views itself as the center and defender of the Orthodox Christian world, which at one time was synonymous with Christendom itself. In its view, there is a natural and divine synergy between the temporal power of the state and the spiritual power of the church, where both play a role in God’s plan for time and eternity. In some ways, this position is similar to pre-Vatican II Catholic thought where religious freedom was seen as opening the door to heresy, a threat not only to orthodoxy but also to the eternal destiny of souls.

ALASKA: Vladimir Putin also laid flowers at the graves of Soviet soldiers at Fort Richardson National Cemetery on the territory of the US Elmendorf-Richardson military base.

During the Alaska meeting, Putin reportedly U.S. President Donald Trump to advocate for Russian to be recognized as an official language in Ukraine and to support protections for Russian Orthodox churches there. This request appeared to reference the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which, despite Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has maintained its affiliation with the Moscow Patriarchate and remains part of the Russian Orthodox Church. (Read more here and here.)

While Putin’s religious agenda and itinerary in Alaska may seem unusual and has drawn criticism, he frequently meets with Orthodox leaders in Russia and on his trips abroad (see photos from the Kremlin below).

MOSCOW: Vladimir Putin met on April 22, 2025, in the Kremlin with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia. The meeting was also attended by Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk and Metropolitan Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church. To the Patriarch, Putin said: “Let me wish you a happy Easter. This is our common bright holiday. As I have said, Russian-Serbian relations have always been special, even today, because we are bound by strong and deep spiritual roots.”

NORTH KOREA: Following his talks with Kim Jong-un, Vladimir Putin visited the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024. Archbishop of [North] Korea Theophanes (Kim) informed the President of Russia about the construction of the church.

CHINA: Vladimir Putin visited the Church of the Intercession in Harbin, China, on May 17, 2024. It is the only functioning Orthodox church in Harbin.

BRAZIL: On November 14, 2019, Vladimir Putin visited the rector of the Orthodox church in Brasilia, Father Francisco. Francisco de Assis da Cruz Feitosa was born in Brazil into a Catholic family, and converted to Orthodoxy in 1994 together with his wife. In 2014, he was ordained as a priest of the Russian Orthodox Church by Bishop Leonid of Argentina and South America. The Church of Our Lady the Odigitria was built in Brasilia a few years ago through the efforts of Father Francisco.

HUNGARY: Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban had a meeting on October 30, 2019, with the heads of Christian churches of the Middle East held with the assistance of Hungary. At the meeting Putin said, “Although we know, in general, what is happening there and what your needs are, it would be good if we heard your opinions about the situation and about what else we can do to help and support you. In fact, this is the essence of our meeting today, if I understand Mr Prime Minister’s intentions. Thank you. I would like to convey the best regards from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. I had the pleasure of talking to him earlier today. He knows about this meeting, and he has asked me to convey his greetings to you and to wish you all the very best.”

KREMLIN: On January 31, 2019, Vladimir Putin met with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and heads of the delegations of local Orthodox churches from different countries who arrived in Moscow to participate in the festivities. the State Kremlin Palace, where events are being held to mark the 10th anniversary of the Russian Orthodox Church Local Council and the enthronement of the Patriarch. Putin said, “Your Holiness, primates and representatives of local Orthodox churches, priests, ladies and gentlemen, I am glad to welcome all of you in the heart of Russia, in the Moscow Kremlin, with its holy shrines that mean a lot to every Orthodox believer. Today’s gathering is dedicated to a special date. At the end of January 2009, the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church met to elect a new primate – Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. I would like to warmly and sincerely congratulate His Holiness on the 10th anniversary of his enthronement.”