BYU–Hawaii student fellow Riji Levaci reflects on his work with theReligious Freedom and Human Dignity Initiative and how majority faiths can protect minority beliefs
Riji Levaci, a social work senior from Fiji, said human dignity matters because every person, regardless of faith, culture or circumstances, carries infinite worth. “When we honor that truth, we uplift others and elevate our shared humanity,” he said.
As one of the longest-serving student fellows for the BYU–Hawaii Religious Freedom and Human Dignity Initiative (RFHD), Levaci said he has spent about three years, in addition to his academic responsibilities, advocating for religious freedom on campus and raising awareness among students and faculty. The foundation Levaci said his journey with RFHD started with his ongoing interest in religious associations, and the word “religion” in the initiative stood out to him. He said his faith in the Savior Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, and his belief in respecting people for who they are, led him to join the initiative. However, he said his initial thinking was centered on his faith, not fully understanding the broader concept of religious freedom and human dignity.
Over time, Levaci said his motives grew as he became more involved by attending conferences and being part of a community where everyone yearns for respect and the freedom to worship. Growing up as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he said it shaped his mindset that the Church is the only true church. “I didn’t have negative feelings toward other faiths. But over time, I came to understand that other religions also have the right to worship. Now, I still believe in my faith, but I also respect and value what others believe.”
Levaci said this shift in his mindset reflects his golden rule of treating others with dignity, treating others as he wants to be treated. “Whether I’m in a minority or majority setting, I want to be treated with respect, love and care. So I treat others the same way, even if their views differ from mine.”
Living this golden rule has been a big part of his journey at BYU–Hawaii, Levaci said. “When we work together with our differences, we grow stronger as a community. But if we clash, it weakens society.” He continued, “There’s no value in conflict when we can respect each other and build on each other’s knowledge.”
Responsibility in majority
Among several conferences Levaci attended, he said the 32nd Annual International Law and Religion Symposium held in Utah in 2025 was transformative. One phrase from W. Cole Durham Jr., emeritus professor of law at the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University, stood out to him: “When you are in the majority, you have the responsibility to protect the minority.”
Levaci said the idea changed how he understands responsibility across religious differences. “The responsibility extends beyond your own religion, especially if you’re the majority because the minorities that one is always persecuted, discarded, disregarded and neglected because of differences.”
Whether I’m in a minority or majority setting, I want to be treated with respect, love and care. So I treat others the same way, even if their views differ from mine.
Levaci said he sees that gap reflected in BYUH students’ experiences. He said some students come from countries where their religion is the majority, while others come from places where their faith is a minority. He said some have shared they must hide their religious identity, avoid certain neighborhoods or worship in secret to avoid harassment from community members or government officials.
Levaci said he applies what he learned by creating space for others to practice and share their faith. Respecting others’ beliefs is essential, whether they are members of the Church or not, he said. “Even when inviting others to come unto Christ, we still respect their religion and where they stand in their faith.” He also shared that during conferences, organizers provide rooms for attendees to pray, describing it as respecting their right to worship, even within a Church-sponsored setting.
Personal connection
Levaci said being born and raised in Fiji, which has close ties to South Asian countries, made this year’s RFHD conference especially meaningful to him. He said he attended a school governed by the Hindu faith, participated in Hindu prayers every Monday morning–being part of Hindu society is part of his upbringing.
Levaci said he valued those experiences, even as he continued practicing his own faith at home. “Growing up around Indigenous Fijians were mostly Christians and also Indo-Fijian who were mostly Hindus and Muslims taught me deeply about identity, family and history.”
Levaci said those experiences being exposed to different faiths and teachings shaped his journey and helped him better understand his role in the RFHD initiative. He said his upbringing has been “a big blessing” as he continues to learn and contribute to the work.
For students attending the 2026 RFHD conference, Levaci encouraged them to be open to learning from leaders either from your country or the countries represented in the conference. “Those leaders bring knowledge and experience of how RFHD matters done in their countries.” He continued, “Always ask yourself: ‘What can I do after this conference? What can I contribute to society to advocate for religious freedom and human dignity?’”