“We are all created by the one Almighty God and are equal in His eyes as brothers and sisters regardless of who we are or what our religious beliefs might be,” Rabbi David Freilich (Emeritus Chief Rabbi, Perth Hebrew Congregation and Interfaith Director of the Jewish Community Council of WA) said recently.
He expressed his appreciation to being invited by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to its semi-annual conference of the Perth Australia Dianella Stake on Sunday 18 September 2022.
“I and my wife are grateful for your hospitality," he added, "and appreciate the respect and kindness shown to us by members of your congregation."
His comments at the pre-conference reception were equally reflective of that of other invited guests including Mr Simon Millman, Member of the Legislative Assembly in the Western Australian Parliament.
The conference was presided over by Elder Damon Page (Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).
Amongst others who addressed the gathering of more than 500 members were Ryan Jenkins (stake president of the Perth Australia Dianella Stake), Michael Stone (president of the Perth Australia Mission) and Leon Alekna (president of the Perth Australia Temple).
The conference also heralded the launch of the stake’s 2022 Foodbank Australia Appeal. Member donations of non-perishable staple foods will be made available to the poor and needy. This is the eighth Foodbank drive undertaken by the Perth Australia Dianella Stake since 2012.
Mr David Warren, manager of the Human Resources Foodbank Western Australia, was one of the invited guests at the conference. He indicated there is a growing need for assistance to the poor and needy due to various factors.
Additionally, the conference acknowledged the generous donations of winter clothing, blankets and sleeping bags by members of the Perth Australia Dianella Stake to the recently concluded "Winter Appeal for the Homeless."
Ms Tsepo Young, director of Street Friends Western Australia, another invited guest, said that the plight of the homeless in Perth may best be described as dire especially during the cold and wet winter months. She was deeply appreciative of the Church’s assistance.