News Release

Youth Interfaith Gathering in Sydney

Young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were among the more than 500 participants in an interfaith gathering in Sydney recently.

 

The event took place at the Sydney Baha’i Centre on 17 September and was initiated by the Columban Mission Institute.

Some of the faith groups that were represented included various Christian churches, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Baha’i, Buddhist and Jewish.

According to one participant, the event provided “an opportunity for young people and other interested individuals to celebrate diversity, break down religious barriers, build bridges of understanding, and generate discussions on how interfaith efforts may be enhanced in our vibrant community.”

A number of faith leaders also attended, including local leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake, Braden Murrin and Andrew Campbell.

Glen Falkenstein, a policy analyst at the Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council and also co-host of the event, said, “It was heart-warming to see hundreds of emerging leaders from so many different communities come together to celebrate diversity and discuss ways we can work together to strengthen multiculturalism in Australia.”

Young Latter-day Saints performed a series of Polynesian dances and songs at the event to express their support of building harmony in a multi-religious society.

  

Aokuso Aokuso, who organised the Polynesian performers, said, “It was humbling to join so many others in celebrating diversity. It was an atmosphere where we were able to see beyond our differences and recognise each other as brothers and sisters.”

A respect for the diverse beliefs and unique contributions of all the world’s faiths is one of the hallmarks of Mormonism.

From the earliest days of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith elevated the principle of religious liberty and tolerance: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.” (Articles of Faith 1:11).

Additional Resources

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