PASADENA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- A religious freedom conference and open house at the Church of Scientology Pasadena brought faith leaders together to promote diversity and respect at a time when rising hate crimes, conflict and war bring the importance of religious freedom and understanding into sharp relief. The Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission reports that hate crimes in Los Angeles County have reached the second highest level in more than 20 years. And the news is filled with religious conflicts that have spiraled into war.