BYU in Provo Law Professor Justin Collings inspires future leaders to defend constitutional principles
BYU–Hawaii students gathered at the Cannon Activities Center to hear from Justin Collings, an associate dean for faculty and curriculum and professor of law from BYU in Provo, about the significance of constitutional principles in the context of the global Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Collings spoke about the importance of defending these principles and how they affect members of the church, drawing on President Dallin H. Oaks' earlier talk on inspired constitutional principles. Collings said, “It is in these principles that we discern the divine inspiration that helped shape the U.S. Constitution.”
He emphasized the role the students play in safeguarding the liberties of their people across nations. He reminded them of the universality of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution by drawing on the Lord's teachings in the Doctrine and Covenants.
Collings said, "You will need to pay close attention to the constitutional structure if you wish to preserve and promote human agency, including religious freedom." He urged students to apply and protect these principles in their respective home countries. He further emphasized the importance of focusing on fundamental rights, citing the inspiring actions of heroes from the Book of Mormon.
Collings introduced five principles of constitutional citizenship: knowledge, optimism, leadership, virtue and charity. “I believe that by living these principles, you will profoundly bless your home communities and your native countries.
He explained the need for optimism, “We won’t contribute much to the cause of human freedom without hope for a better future. We should thank the Lord for the freedoms we enjoy, plead for those that we or others lack and work to preserve and promote human agency throughout the world, beginning in our home nations,” said Collings.
Collings encouraged students to make the most of opportunities at BYUH to learn about constitutional principles. He challenged students to promote peace and human agency, defend constitutional principles and embody citizenship values like knowledge. In doing so, he said, “You will advance in the work of our merciful Father in Heaven and that of His glorious, Only Begotten Son."
Francis Nime, a freshman from Papua New Guinea majoring in biology, said he cherished Collings' five principles of constitutional citizenship. "These five principles are the values of a great leader," he said.
He said the principles shared by Collings are in line with the mission of BYUH. "I know the world and my country in particular need great men who have all these values in them so that I can serve with love and the fear of God."
As the first child in his family and first-generation student, Nime said he represents the future of his family and tribe. "The shared principles can help me accomplish my goals and become a righteous leader and a worthy priesthood holder in my family, workplace, and community, as well as a worthy husband to my wife," he said.
Nime shared, “The talk inspired me to become an all-around better person in the work of the Lord." He testified that a great righteous leader should uphold these five principles and shared he will always be appreciative of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
"It has blessed my life … I know that I will be a leader someday in my life, and this is my training field," testified Nime.