News Release

Young Catholics and Mormons to Meet Prime Minister and MPs

Young Catholics and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint [Mormons] from across New Zealand are preparing to visit some of New Zealand’s leaders at Parliament next month.

Around 40 young adults will meet with Prime Minister John Key and a number of Members of Parliament on 25 June.

The visit is being jointly organized by Catholics and Latter-day Saints to expose some of the churches’ young adults to the leaders of the nation, and also to introduce Mr Key and other Members of Parliament to the group.

“We see this as an opportunity to learn more about how our nation is governed,” said 25-year-old Shayna Tapusoa from Auckland. “It is also a chance for us to share some of our views with our government leaders with respect to faith, family and religious freedom.”

She added: “We hope we can convey that young New Zealanders of faith are contributing to our congregations and communities in optimistic and helpful ways.”

While at Parliament, the youth delegation will also tour the building, participate in a meeting in which some of the group will make speeches regarding the place of faith in New Zealand society, and also hear from the Speaker of the House David Carter.

The previous day, Tuesday 24 June, the group will assemble personal care kits for men at the Wellington Night Shelter, visit the Wellington Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, learn about Caritas, and attend a devotional service in Porirua with leaders from both churches.

Elder Kevin W. Pearson, a member of the Latter-day Saints’ Pacific Area Presidency, will speak to the young adults on Tuesday evening, and also participate in the visit to Parliament on the 24th.

Sister Catherine Jones smsm, Chair of the NZ Catholic Bishops Committee for Interfaith Relations, will also attend the two-day activity and speak to the young people on Tuesday evening.

Member of Parliament Su’a William Sio, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will host the youth delegation to Parliament.

“We are grateful to be welcomed back to Parliament this year,” Elder Pearson says, “after our wonderful visit in 2012.”

“And we are delighted that some of our friends in the Catholic Church will join with us.”

 

 

 

 

 

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