"May we live with fewer walls and more bridges," Elder Hans Joseph
Representatives from several Christian denominations gathered Friday evening, the 24th of April, in Pago Pago for an interfaith Easter dinner centered on the theme “Greater Love,” celebrating the love of God the Eternal Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
The gathering brought together around 30 faith leaders and community members from a variety of Christian traditions to commemorate the Easter season through fellowship, testimony, and reflection. Despite some differences in doctrine and worship practices, participants focused on their common faith in God and devotion to Jesus Christ as Saviour and Redeemer.
Elder Hans Joseph, an Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, welcomed guests and emphasized that Jesus Christ was at the heart of the evening.
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“We gather here in the name of Jesus Christ,” Elder Joseph said. “We sing praises in the name of Jesus Christ, we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, we teach, we preach and testify in the name of Jesus Christ.”
Speaking of the Easter message, Elder Joseph testified of God’s love demonstrated through the Resurrection of His Son.
“Tonight we rejoice in our Jesus, for He is risen,” he said. “There is no other name whereby men shall be saved. It is only in, by, and through the name of Jesus Christ.”
Elder Joseph acknowledged the diversity among those in attendance, noting that unity in Christ does not diminish sincere differences in belief.
“We come from different pews, different prayers, different histories, different doctrines,” he said. “But we came here tonight for the same reason: we believe there is something higher than ourselves, and we believe we’re better when we reach for it together.”
Using the imagery of bridges rather than walls, Elder Joseph encouraged guests to focus on what unites followers of Christ.
“Walls measure what divides us. Bridges measure what unites us,” he said. “And in a world that often feels loud with division, I think heaven cheers every time we choose to build a bridge.”
Throughout the evening, several guests shared their personal feelings about their love for God, their Heavenly Father, and for His Son, Jesus Christ. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to come together in a spirit of mutual respect.
Elder Joseph invited participants to continue building bridges through Christlike service and shared discipleship.
As the evening concluded, attendees expressed appreciation for the chance to worship, reflect, and celebrate Easter together in Pago Pago, united in their shared love for Jesus Christ.
“May we live with fewer walls and more bridges,” Elder Joseph said, “because we believe in the One who can make all things whole.”