The leaders of the five major faith groups in French Polynesia were invited by President Edouard Fritch to come to the Presidential palace and to pray for peace in a time of turmoil. They also expressed love, comfort and support to the peoples of Ukraine and Russia who are in the midst of terrible conflict.
- President-Edouard-Fritch-at-the-pulpit-and-representatives-of-the-five-major-groups-in-French-Polynesia-who-spoke-at-the-pray-for-peace-event.-March-2022
- Elder-Frederic-T.-Riemer-represented-the-Church-at-the-ceremony-for-peace-in-the-world-and-in-the-hearts.-French-Polynesia,-March-2022
- Elder-Frederic-T.-Riemer-speaks-at-the-Presidential-palace-at-a-gathering-of-many-denominations-to-pray-for-peace.-French-Polynesia,-February-2022
- Archbishop-Jean-Pierre-Cottanceau-opened-the-pray-for-peace-ceremony-with-prayer.-French-Polynesia,-March-2022
- Roger-Tetuanui,-president-of-the-Seventh-day-Adventist-Church-spoke-at-the-pray-for-peace-event-in-French-Polynesia.-March-2022-
- Apostle-Mareva-Arnaud-Tchong,-president-of-the-Comunity-of-Christ,-speaks-at-a-prayer-for-peace-event.-French-Polynesia,-March-2022
- Pastor-Hinatea-a-Marotau-from-the-Protestant-Church-appealed-to-everyone-to-come-to-Christ-to-be-at-peace.-French-Polynesia,-March-2022
- President-Fritch-in-meditation-during-the-ceremony-for-peace-in-the-world.-French-Polynesia,-March-2022
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Each religious leader had the opportunity to share a message of hope and peace to the participants in attendance, especially the representatives of Ukrainians and Russians who live in French Polynesia. It was also broadcast live to the nation on the internet and on television (TNTV). The program also included music provided by each of the denominations.
Elder Frederic Riemer represented The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was accompanied by the choir of the Pare Ward in Pape’ete. He shared a portion of the official declaration from the First Presidency on armed conflict: “In the midst of uncertainty, there is only one way to feel peace, which surpasses all understanding. This peace is found through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."
Elder Riemer addressed a plea to all political leaders in conflict-torn countries:
“Let us pray together that the leaders of these countries in conflict show more dignity, humility and humanity in maintaining harmony and peace in this world.”
He concluded, "My dear brothers and sisters, even when there is no peace on earth, there is peace in Christ. Let us continue to speak and spread peace even in the midst of war. Let's work together for a better Polynesia, built on the peace of Christ."
Archbishop Jean-Pierre Cottanceau offered a prayer: “Lord God as the roar of arms resounds again among your children, see your children gathered together to implore your help. Your Son came to us as Prince of Peace in order to reconcile men and remove the barrier of hatred which divided them. Give us already this desire to build peace in our hearts, in our families, in our Fenua (country).”
A-choir-from-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints-sings-at-a-pray-for-peace-event-at-the-Presidential-palace-in-French-Polynesia.-March-2022
A choir from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sings at a pray for peace event at the Presidential palace in French Polynesia. March 2022Courtesy of the Presidency of French PolynesiaThe president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Roger Tetuanui, said, “We are gathered here to express our prayer of intercession for our Ukrainian and Russian brothers and sisters. Prayer is the best weapon of the Christian. In all our uncertainties, the only solution lies in trusting in God's love and care for us. When fear gives way to trust, peace floods our lives.”
Apostle Mareva Arnaud-Tchong, president of the Community of Christ, explained: "Faced with the tumult of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ came with a much better offer for us. He came with the peace of God, a peace in all circumstances, to a totally different quality not built on the people and this world. God's peace is the means and the way to survival and restoration.”
Pastor Hinatea a Marotau of the Protestant Maohi Church, stated, “Pray for peace in our hearts above all. We send to the peoples of Ukraine and Russia our prayers of compassion and peace of Christ, which passes all understanding.”
In conclusion, President Fritch told the religious leaders: "Tonight, your strength has stimulated our faith to be proud to be Christians. Your messages have been powerful bearers of hope, mighty bearers of peace.”
“I feel like I am Adventist, I am Protestant, I am Catholic, I am Latter-day Saint. Above all, I believe in Christ.”