The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir James Carlisle, applauded the formation of the first organization in the country to be dedicated exclusively to promoting and defending religious freedom.

Attending the inaugural meeting of the new national chapter of the International Religious Liberty Association Jan. 11, Carlisle spoke of the vital importance of religious liberty and freedom of conscience in today’s world. The meeting was attended by high-level leaders from both the political and religious establishments of the country.

According to Clive Dottin, local religious freedom representative, this IRLA charter meeting sought to “develop a vision for religious liberty in the church and the community.”

Carlisle is well-known for his strong stand on matters of faith and principle, to the point of asking that his knighting ceremony by the Queen be rescheduled since it conflicted with his Saturday day of worship.

“As a Seventh-day Adventist, I believe we are to be model citizens in society, promoting and defending essential values,” he said. “Religious freedom is one of our most precious values, and brings great benefits to society. We also need to remember that we cannot please everyone, we simply do what is right, whatever the hostility we may have to face.”

Representing the IRLA world body, secretary general Dr. John Graz congratulated the organizers. “It speaks well of Antigua and Barbuda that so many are giving such widespread support for religious freedom,” Graz said.

“Even though freedom of conscience is well protected in the country’s constitution, [the society] must remain vigilant to defend the religious rights of all and to promote mutual respect and religious tolerance as the only way for progress in a modern democratic society.”

Chartered in 1893, the IRLA is a non-sectarian organization that aims to defend and disseminate principles of religious liberty around the world. It has 50 national chapters worldwide.