On 8 September, leaders and young adults from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted an interfaith event at the Auckland New Zealand Manukau Stake Centre.
A stake centre is the central place of worship for members of a Latter-day Saint stake, which is a group of congregations in a town, city or group of suburbs.
A guided tour of the building was organised with short presentations by local members. Self-reliance and family history centres were also included in the tour.
One visitor commented, “There was an undeniable atmosphere of calm as we walked, sat down and listened to the presenters and tour guides.”
Taulia Tafiti, president of the Manukau Stake, said that guests “will leave with a better understanding about our church.”
Tommy Laban Jr, another local Latter-day Saint leader, said, “It was a great opportunity to share our common belief that the family unit is an integral part of society and the foundation for learning.”
The Church’s Newsroom website states: “From the earliest days of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith elevated the principle of religious liberty and tolerance: ‘We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may’” (Articles of Faith 1:11).
Watch a short video about what to expect at a worship service of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.