Elder Gary B. Sabin Meets with European Parliament First Vice President

Churches and religious communities play a crucial role in fostering a culture of dialogue and peace in Europe. This is the key take-away from the online meeting between Elder Gary B. Sabin, President of the Europe Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Mrs. Roberta Metsola, First Vice President of the European Parliament, held on May 27. The meeting was held under the framework of Article 17 TFEU, which calls for an open, transparent, and regular dialogue between the EU and the Churches. 

During the cordial exchange, the two leaders discussed the economic and emotional effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccination, humanitarian aid focused on migrants and refugees, and international freedom of religion or belief. Elder Sabin offered an overview of the Church's presence in Europe, explaining that its activities are driven by the Church's teachings of "obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law," and "being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and [doing] good to all men." 

“As a church we are very interested in furthering dialogue that can contribute to the fundamental freedoms and wellbeing of all Europeans and are gratified by the mutual interest we have with Vice President Metsola who we look forward to working with in these areas," said Elder Sabin.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has had an active presence in Europe for over 170 years and currently maintains more than a half-million members meeting in over 1200 congregations across the continent.