Representatives from more than a dozen religious communities gathered in Honolulu, Hawaii July 12 to 13 for the first Festival of Religious Liberty held in the United States.

Sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Festival celebrated religious freedom through musical performances and discussions. Participants expressed appreciation to government officials for the roles they play in maintaining the right to worship freely.

Mayor of Honolulu Mufi Hanneman greeted festival attendees on July 13. Hanneman said he appreciated the work of the Adventist church in encouraging peace and understanding among people of different faiths.

The department of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL), part of the Seventh-day Adventist church, organizes similar events in countries all over the world, including Peru, Russia and South Africa. These festivals raise awareness about the need for religious liberty.