by Sandy Stephenson
All International Advisory Council members were invited to attend the 2016 Annual IAC Spring Meeting, which was held Thursday and Friday, March 31 – April 1, 2016 at the Salt Lake Marriott Downtown City Creek. Thursday evening’s keynote speaker was Elder Craig A. Cardon, who was sustained as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy of the LDS Church in 2012. He is currently the Assistant Executive Director in the Priesthood Department. Elder Cardon previously served as president of the Africa West Area. His remarks were primarily focused on the history of the Church in Africa.
Friday’s events included briefings and discussions by the Center’s directors. Cole Durham explained the emerging challenges for religious freedom. Dave Christensen, Chair of the IAC Executive Committee, focused his remarks on the IAC current membership, activities and events involving the IAC, and strategic needs of the Center. The Center’s faculty formed a panel where they discussed the status of religious liberty by region and strategy. William F. Atkin, Associate General Counsel for the LDS Church, gave the closing address entitled, “Religious Freedom Challenges Facing the Church.”