Senator John McCain of Arizona was the keynote speaker at the annual North American Religious Liberty Association (NARLA) banquet in May.

"Until recently," stated Senator McCain, "religious liberty has been ‘the orphan child’ of the human rights movement. It is no longer, and humanity is the better for it. All people must be free to worship as they please, or not to worship at all. It is simple truth. There is no freedom without the freedom of religion."

Sponsored by Liberty magazine, the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) and NARLA, this annual event is attended by diplomats from nations around the world, representatives from Congress and the executive branch, as well as church leaders.

Peoria-Sun Cities church member Dorothy G. Keith retired from NARLA last year, but was called back to Washington to assist in the planning of this year’s banquet. Keith, whose work has been instrumental in the growth of NARLA, has rejoined the effort as an independent contractor, and will be handling member relations. This year, in appreciation for her outstanding work, Keith was presented with a U.S. flag that had flown over the capitol building.

For more information about becoming a member of NARLA and the 2007 Capitol Hill events, scheduled for May 17-19, visit www.religiousliberty.info or e-mail KnottD@gc.adventist.org.