Religion is a sophisticated aspect of humanities encompassing a range of beliefs, practices, and traditions. Religion is a source of guidance, and community congregation, and gives individuals their identity. It shapes the way people would understand the world and their role within it. Throughout history, religion played a pivotal role in influencing cultures, art, and social norms, fostering both unity and segregation among different groups. Freedom of choosing religion is a basic human right that gives individuals the option to explore, adopt, and practice the beliefs that suit them without fear or judgment. In a world full of diversity, the ability to choose one’s religion is essential in demonstrating liberty and mutual understanding among different religious communities. 

Different nations have their way of expressing their beliefs and valuing specific religions as a guideline. Nevertheless, a community that allows groups of people with different religions to coexist together is ideal for reaching a harmonious world. Having respect and understanding toward different ideas creates peace, understanding, and collaboration among diverse communities. This unity will break down stereotypes, allowing space to embrace the cultural richness and values to which societies are entitled. 

Cambodia was home to mixed groups of people, allowing different communities to coexist within the nation. Having such diversity should’ve created arguments and conflict amongst people but instead, this multicultural society exploded into a land filled with equality and support for each individual. This manifestation allows our citizens to grow up seeing the cultural richness that exists. Despite Buddhism being our official religion, this does not prevent us from sharing the land with other religions. Contributing and supporting each other’s communities can be seen across different holidays and cultural events where all religions can celebrate together. In communities or workspaces, it’s essential to allow each other to grow based on their true identity and the beliefs that define them. Religion should never be the cause of division and conflict but rather the moral guideline that helps them express their best personalities to the environment. Having the freedom to choose religion helps people develop a sense of self-belonging and gives them the freedom to follow their beliefs. 

iMPACT STORY works with the Women Peace Makers (WPM) organization to document the movement of faith freedom and interfaith harmony in Cambodia. As a team with members from different backgrounds and coming from separated parts of the country, we are well aware of individuals having their own practice and independence in defining their identity. iMPACT STORY is home to culturally diverse groups of people and we’re open to everyone who has passion and the ability to strive forward. The project has a significant impact on our understanding of the lessons and principles each religion is trying to convey. Through different perspectives of believers from multiple religions, we can see that each of the social-cultural systems is beneficial to the followers in their own ways. Whether to relieve our suffering, understand each other’s struggle, or spread universal love, they’re all keys for humans to live their lives with full potential and peace.

Different religions and beliefs exist to serve all types of people in this world. Although we’re the same species, our intelligence and our ability to complex reasoning separate and create uniqueness within every individual. It’s illogical to force anyone to believe or be something that goes against their identity. Allowing people the right to follow their beliefs is the crucial step in creating faith freedom and interfaith harmony.