Mongolia's fight for religious rights
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Illustrating the importance of basic human rights in other countries, Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke of struggles the people of Mongolia went through in order to enjoy freedoms of speech, press and religion.
After the Perestroika movement in the Soviet Union, popular demonstrations in Mongolia led to the resignation of the communist government in March 1990. With this achievement, other political parties were legalized, allowing the first Mongolian elections.
After the elections, the communist party won the majority in the new parliament, allowing repressive old attitudes to continue in many government departments.
During that time, a department head in the State Library decided to courageously act against official pressure. Oyun Altangerel, a 42-year-old mother, wife and professional, organized a Democratic Association Branch Council that spoke out for democracy and freedom. The group, which included 12 members, advocated democracy and rights of worship, belief and expression.
Because of their actions, Oyun and others were fired from their state employment.
In response to her termination, Oyun began a five-day hunger strike in the State Library. Within hours, 20 others joined Oyun in the public demonstration. With support from major democratic movement leaders, her actions expanded into a national anti-government movement for human freedoms of speech, press and religion. Two years later the government adopted a democratic constitution, taking a major step towards a free society.
Not only was Oyun's involvement important to the country of Mongolia, but her work for freedom blesses thousands of members of the Church today.
Less than two years after the historic hunger strike, the Church was able to send the first missionaries to Mongolia. The missionary couples met in the State Library where Oyun worked, introducing her to the gospel. She was baptized the following year and her only child, a son, was baptized two years later.
"Today, the Mongolian members of our Church number 9,000, reportedly the largest group of Christians in the country," Elder Oaks said. "A few months ago we organized our first stake in Mongolia. Called as the stake president was Sister Oyun's son, Odgerel."
