Church and Community Leaders Discuss Human Dignity in Tonga

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, General Authority Seventy, and a counsellor in the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, hosted a thank you dinner for delegates from Tonga who attended the Oceanian Perspectives on Human Dignity Conference in Laie, Hawaii in April 2024.

The dinner provided an opportunity for Elder Wakolo to thank the four Tongan community leaders who attended the Hawaii conference: Attorney General of the Kingdom of Tonga, Linda Folaumoetu'i; the Omsbudsman of the Tonga, Alisi Taumoepeau; and President of the Tonga Media Association, Ramanlal Vallabh. The Chairman of the Civil Society Forum of Tonga, Drew Havea, was not able to attend the dinner.

The dinner provided an opportunity for Elder Wakolo to thank the four Tongan community leaders who attended the Hawaii conference: Attorney General of the Kingdom of Tonga, Linda Folaumoetu'i; Chief Executive Officer of the Tonga Ombudsman Office, Alisi Taumoepeau; and President of the Tonga Media Association, Ramanlal Vallabh. The Chairman of the Civil Society Forum of Tonga, Drew Havea, was not able to attend the dinner.

During the dinner, each delegate had the opportunity to share their personal reflections and experiences from the conference, which was based on the theme of “Dignity for Everyone.” They spoke highly of the conference organisers: Brigham Young University-Hawaii; and the J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU-Provo and its International Center for Law and Religion Studies.

In Attorney General Folaumoetu’i’s presentation in Hawaii, she spoke of Tonga’s constitutional foundation of human dignity expressed as “pillars” in the nation’s laws—respect, humility, nurturing relationships and passionate loyalty. “How do I uphold international standards and respect my culture at the same time?” she asked.

“The key to reconciling these competing values is a balance in both worlds through a ‘talanoa’ process (or cultural discovery), striving for our Tongan forefathers’ vision of equality, and changes in legislation.”

Ombudsman Taumoepeau’s presentation expressed the concept of “unity in dignity,” and explained how her office works to ensure the government hears Tongan voices and gives them the respect they deserve. She said when we lose our dignity, it’s often like losing our most important personal possession. She used as an example a young child who continued to search for her school bag after losing her home to a tsunami.

“Tonga can move forward and say, like the child, ‘We’re good, we see the challenges; we’ll move forward and do better tomorrow than what we have done today,’” Taumoepeau said.

Meanwhile broadcaster Vallabh spoke on Tonga’s constitutionally protected free-speech and presented his views regarding the difficult intersections between the media and human dignity. He emphasised “the importance of media accuracy, fairness and balance, and the need to avoid intimidation, harassment and invasion of privacy.”

He said if the media maintains ethical behaviour, human dignity can be preserved.

All of the delegates in attendance expressed deep admiration for the Tongan students attending BYU-Hawaii, who exhibited exceptional professionalism and dedication in their various roles at the conference. The delegates each highlighted the meaningful interactions they had with these students, which enriched their conference experience.

Elder Wakolo concluded the evening by thanking the delegates who attended the conference and said Tonga will be a better place for their participation. He said preserving human dignity is a challenge everyone faces.

Elder Wakolo shared a verse from The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, quoting a government and faith leader from the ancient Americas, King Benjamin, who emphasised the importance of service to one another.

“And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God.” (Mosiah 2:17)

This scripture resonated deeply with all attendees, reinforcing the spirit of unity and service that characterized the spirit of the conference they attended.

Elder Wakolo said the dinner served as a testament to their strong bonds of community and faith, celebrating the shared commitment to human dignity and mutual respect.