FRANKFURT – Every year during the first week of February, the world recognizes Interfaith Harmony Week. Interfaith work is an opportunity for people from different backgrounds, cultures, and religious beliefs to come together in mutual understanding and build relationships.
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For decades, leaders, scholars, and members from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have participated in many local, national, and international interfaith forums. These include G20 Forum, Parliament of World’s Religions, Interfaith Roundtable, and many others. President Russell M. Nelson, president of the Church stated, “We exist to bring love and concern for the eternal welfare of all humankind, regardless of religious belief, race or nationality. We believe that we are truly brothers and sisters, so we want to project the message that we care. We love one another, and we hope to bless the lives of all mankind.”
Interfaith forums are also a platform for religious leaders and scholars to come together and discuss different problems facing society. At the most recent G20 Forum in Argentina, the importance of tolerance and freedom of religion was discussed. Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated at the forum, “Religion is fundamental to societal well-being, and freedom of religion benefits not only believers but all of society, whether they know it or not. Therefore, all have an interest in protecting this freedom, whether they are believers or not.”
When people come together with concern and a desire to help others, they can solve problems and save lives. Sister Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President said at the 2018 Women’s Interfaith Conference in Wales, “I am convinced that when we unite together as women of faith, we not only strengthen the relationship between religions, but individual lives are touched as we reach out to those in need.”
The gospel of Jesus Christ encourages love and kindness to everyone, regardless of differences. Late President of the Church, Thomas S. Monson encouraged, “members of the Church wherever they may be to show kindness and respect for all people everywhere. The world in which we live is filled with diversity. We can and should demonstrate respect toward those whose beliefs differ from ours.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has over 16 million members world-wide. Leaders of the Church encourage members to be involved in their communities, build relationships, and help those in need.