Church Leader Urges Reconciliation and Resolution in Australian ‘Culture Conflicts’

"The two great commandments, which are a foundation of our faith, can provide a path to reconciliation and resolution of these culture conflicts,” Elder Peter F. Meurs—a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—told guests at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney campus, on Friday 24 February.

He was speaking at a religious liberty conference hosted by the university and was referring to the challenges facing people of faith seeking religious freedom protections, and other Australians working for non-discrimination laws.

“We show our love for God as we live in accordance with His commandments,” Elder Meurs said. “The second great commandment, to love our neighbours, invites us to care for those in need—the poor, the disadvantaged and the marginalised.”

Elder Meurs is a member of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and First Counselor in the Church’s Pacific Area Presidency.

Elder Meurs suggested that “instead of seeing [those with different views] as opponents in a battle which we must win, we can see them as fellow citizens, God’s children who need our understanding and care."

“We have a great opportunity to promote religious freedom and make space for others. I think there's a way to do that. We need to involve young people who will do it in a beautiful way."

Elder Meurs shared with conference attendees two short video clips featuring young people of the Jewish faith and Sikh tradition talking about how their faith helps them in their lives. Watch the clips here and here. 

The clips are from the FaithCounts.com website that features individuals from many different religions—many of them youth and young adults—talking about the great value of faith in their lives.

Elder Meurs continued: "As people of faith we have core doctrine, beliefs, principles and standards of conduct which we consider essential and sacred. While the specifics vary, versions of the two great commandments to love God and to love our neighbour and principles of integrity, respect, charity and service provide common threads.”

Elder Meurs also shared a video clip from Clayton Christiensen about the importance of religion in our society. Watch the video here.

Other speakers at the conference included Professor Mark Hill QC, Professor A. Keith Thompson, Professor Nicholas Aroney, Dr. Paul Morrissey, Associate Professor Salim Farrar, Associate Professor Mark Fowler, Associate Professor Neil Foster, Professor Emerita Suzanne Rutland, Rabbi Shimon Cowen, Professor Anna Walsh, Justice Stephen Rothman, Bishop Daniel Meagher, Bishop Michael Stead, and Mr.John Steenhoff.