Modeling Love as a Family of Faiths
Let's not talk at, but to each other
Seeing the good and listening well
As a family of faiths, sisters and brothers
That but more, the love of God can swell
I love when Elder Nash said "talk to each other, not at each other!"
Elder Marcus B. Nash of the Presidency of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints told hundreds of global faith leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., on Monday, February 2, 2026, that protecting religious freedom will help nations flourish.
“There’s a mountain of evidence that shows the power of religious freedom in building families, communities and nations,” Elder Nash told hundreds of faith leaders attending the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit during a Church-sponsored luncheon. He also joined a panel discussion led by Baptist pastor Bob Roberts Jr. of the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network, which was held on stage at the Global Faith Forum.
More than 90 organizations representing 30 faith traditions gathered at the Washington Hilton for the two-day annual event to discuss how to advance international religious freedom. Learn more at Newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
https://youtu.be/hO7gE7xQtLA?si=TK0bpyBaRcjfwS1U
The People of Faith
[Verse 1] Shall we persecute any one of us For being a good citizen who prays? Who contributes much and is industrious, Who enriches our culture and our lives always? We make the world a better place Where citizens can flourish When we enjoy religious faith And fill our spirits, nourished [Pre-Chorus] With love, always encouraged We, the people of faith Together can combat The world of evil and hate [Chorus] By being a loving contact By being a loving contact We, the people of faith We, the people of faith Love the Pagan colors That celebrate the earth Love the Jewish fringes On four corners, prayer and worth [Verse 2] The Islamic outer dress Prizing cleanliness and worth And the Sikhism turban That reminds us God is everywhere We defend the rights of conscience Of individuals and churches To preach on moral principles And share God's light for all who searches [Bridge] The greatest leaders the world has known From Muhammad to Confucius To them a portion of God's light shown To bless, inspire, and move us [Chorus] By being a loving contact By being a loving contact We, the people of faith We, the people of faith Love the Christians, the Catholics The Latter-Day Saints, their worth Love all the religious fringes On the four corners of this earth [Outro] We defend the rights of conscience Of individuals and churches To share God's light for all who searches
Full Speech: Elder Jeffrey R. Holland at California's Chapman University...
We, the people of faith
Together can combat
The world of evil and hate
By being a loving contact
What Scene Would You Like to See?
What scene would you like to see
In the days of the Son of Man?
Where, to Him, would you journey
To be dearly taught at His hand?
I can't decide....
I love the Pagan colors that celebrate the earth,
In the promotion of the common good
Of our beloved country
We unite religions in brotherhood
For the voice we are wanting
We defend the rights of conscience
Of individuals and churches
To preach on moral principles
And share God's light for all who searches
“The lesson of American history is that churches and other religious bodies prosper in a nation and a social order that respects religious freedom and recognizes that civil government should never stand between the consciences and the religious practices of its citizens and Almighty God,” he said.
Speaking of the partnership Catholics and Mormons have in defending religious freedom, Cardinal George acknowledged that “sometimes our common advocacy will make one of us the target of retribution by intolerant elements” but emphasized that such actions should not deter religions from making their voices heard. “In the coming years, interreligious coalitions formed to defend the rights of conscience for individuals and religious institutions could become a vital bulwark against the tide of forces that work in our government and society to reduce religion to a purely private reality.”
Cardinal George pointed out that “society is based not on individuals but on families, on mothers and fathers with duties and obligations to their children, on children who learn how to be human, in the school of love, which is the family, which tells us we are not the center of the world individually.”
He also lauded the growing relationship between the Catholic Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their joint efforts, such as providing aid to the poor and needy and combating pornography.
“I’m personally grateful that after 180 years of living mostly apart from one another, Catholics and Latter-day Saints have begun to see one another as trustworthy partners in the defense of shared moral principles and in the promotion of the common good of our beloved country,” he said.
“Our churches have different histories and systems of belief and practice, although we acknowledge a common reference point in the person and the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Cardinal George is president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the first Chicago native to become archbishop of Chicago. He presides over 2.3 million Catholics in the Chicago Archdiocese.
Brazilian student who sold her virginity for $780,000 in an online auction insists she is a 'victim' and was exploited in documentary
- Catarina Migliorini, 21, says she is still a virgin and believes the auction was simply a publicity stunt for Australian documentary, Virgins Wanted
- The physical education student claims she has not received the money promised to her by filmmaker Justin Sisely
Each revealed law
Is a blessing to that nation
And is available to all
The greatest leaders the world has known
From Muhammad to Confucious
To them a portion of God's light shown
To bless, inspire, and move us
'How very fortunate for mankind that God's word was given in diverse ways to the people of India, of Persia, of Babylon, of Arabia, of China, of Greece, of Rome, and of America. Each spark of inspiration, each revealed law, and each guideline for living was an expression of God's limitless love for the family of Adam. It mattered not whether the word came in high or low places or whether it was conveyed in loud or in muted voices. Some of God's light was reflected through a religious leader in ancient Arabia; additional light was received by an American religious leader in the nineteenth century. What mattered was that saving truth was received by man from God-the divine fountain of eternal truth. And what mattered even more was whether those who received such truths had sufficient reciprocating love and faith to live accordingly.'
'On 15 February 1978, the First Presidency of the LDS Church issued a statement to the world regarding God's love for all mankind. I desire to read portions of that statement. As I do so, you will note that thoughts previously mentioned are amplified. '
'Based upon ancient and modern revelation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gladly teaches and declares the Christian doctrine that all men and women are brothers and sisters, not only by blood relationship from common mortal progenitors but also as literal spirit children of an Eternal Father.
The great religious leaders of the world such as Muhammad, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God's light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals...
Consistent with these truths, we believe that God has given and will give to all peoples sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation, either in this life or in the life to come...
Our message therefore is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and women, regardless of religious belief, race, or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters because we are sons and daughters of the same Eternal Father.'
God's Love for Mankind
Elder Carlos E. Asay
Mormons and Muslims: Spiritual Foundations and Modern Manifestations, ed. Palmer, Spencer J., (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University 2002), 51-61.
Let's safeguard the truth's He's given
All over the world He lights minds to find
A glimpse of Him and of heaven
We can be keepers of His light
As we perceive where it goes
God's wisdom pure and bright
To the seeker brilliantly flows
If there is anything virtuous,
Lovely, or of good report
Let us share it more amongst us
And feel warmth through God's support
Then, as with light we speak
Others come to where we stand
Unto our lamp to seek,
Feel, and understand
Pondering: God's love for man and the internet. How seeing the inspiration of things around us and mentioning it actually draws seekers to the gospel as they search the internet to know more of what is praiseworthy. The Article of Faith- which says: If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. (for they've come of light and truth) Wouldn't it be pleasing to God if we sought after these things more. No wonder the Conference talks quote from many things that show God is lighting all mankind?
'In 1855, in an address delivered in the Bowery at Salt Lake City, Elder Parley P. Pratt, an early leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said: "We would do well to look into the bearings of the history of nations, and the dealings of God with them, as impartially as we can, at all times, and cull out all the good there has been, is, or may be, and acknowledge the hand of God in all things, in His dealings with the nations as well as in other things" (Journal of Discourses, 3:42).'
Elder Pratt's thoughts echo the teachings of some ancient American prophets. Permit me to quote from the Book of Mormon:
'And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and tongue. (Mosiah 3:13; emphasis added)
For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have. (Alma 29:8; emphasis added)
Thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.... I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth...For I command all men...that they shall write the words which I speak unto them.... I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it. (2 Nephi 28:30; 29:7, 11, 12; emphasis added) '
'How very fortunate for mankind that God's word was given in diverse ways to the people of India, of Persia, of Babylon, of Arabia, of China, of Greece, of Rome, and of America. Each spark of inspiration, each revealed law, and each guideline for living was an expression of God's limitless love for the family of Adam. It mattered not whether the word came in high or low places or whether it was conveyed in loud or in muted voices. Some of God's light was reflected through a religious leader in ancient Arabia; additional light was received by an American religious leader in the nineteenth century. What mattered was that saving truth was received by man from God-the divine fountain of eternal truth. And what mattered even more was whether those who received such truths had sufficient reciprocating love and faith to live accordingly.'
'On 15 February 1978, the First Presidency of the LDS Church issued a statement to the world regarding God's love for all mankind. I desire to read portions of that statement. As I do so, you will note that thoughts previously mentioned are amplified. '
'Based upon ancient and modern revelation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gladly teaches and declares the Christian doctrine that all men and women are brothers and sisters, not only by blood relationship from common mortal progenitors but also as literal spirit children of an Eternal Father.
The great religious leaders of the world such as Muhammad, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God's light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals...
Consistent with these truths, we believe that God has given and will give to all peoples sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation, either in this life or in the life to come...
Our message therefore is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and women, regardless of religious belief, race, or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters because we are sons and daughters of the same Eternal Father.'
God's Love for Mankind
Elder Carlos E. Asay
Mormons and Muslims: Spiritual Foundations and Modern Manifestations, ed. Palmer, Spencer J., (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University 2002), 51-61.
The Last Bastion of Christianity
The last bastion of Christianity
Is now heavily under attack
Below there are cries of, "Bigotry!"
Just what can the Lord's side cry back?
As valiant soldiers, we are not dismayed,
"We, of the Lord, will not be defeated!
It's His proclamation that has been made.
We offer love... His, so desperately needed!"
The answer was fierce as they were yet blind,
"We want tolerance. Embrace what we do!
We don't need love, for we have our own kind.
We want acceptance, from God and from you!"
We answered, "We know to not ask God to change!"
And, we truly fear His coming is near!
This pricked the hearts of all within range.
It penetrated all who had ears to hear.
And for a moment the battle did cease
Until one protester rallied them up again.
"I'll not yield my heart. I'll not plant His seeds!
This is who I am, for now and in Heaven!"
But, God's promises are true to those who believe.
Gender is eternal, we are all family.
In this fallen world Satan's quick to deceive,
As we submit to Christ we live life happily!
...And thus the battle continues today.
There is one last bastion that remains.
One last wall is all that stands in the way...
Stand strong and believe in eternal gains!
2 Timothy 3:5
Historically
We all worship the same Jesus
Making us Christians
His followers, acting in faith
Seeking His Spirit to be with us
Perceiving, receiving
Reading from His word
Likening His parables
to our individual lives
Patiently, thinking Celestial
Walking in faith, in Him, alive
Living as He would have us
Carrying His light before all
Being fishers of men
praying as He prayed
obeying the commandments of God
Falling short we repent
Growing from the pain
Praying that the atonement
Will remove our earth stains
loving God with all of our heart
our mind and our spirit changed,
with the Saints, of one heart
submitting to all things
Willingly doing our part
It is a dream come true,
When religions unite!
Faith in God revives us to
Become a nation of Light!
I used to attend The Nevada Interfaith Association (a fellowship dedicated to promoting collaboration, cooperation, and support that encourages sharing among faiths.) Each year, they pick a topic and hold a monthly meeting at a different church site. You get to know different religions and are not treated as an outsider. It is a beautiful opportunity to appreciate differences and to show acceptance.
They would not discriminate
You or I, they would make us pay
That we're of the Christian faith
We should unite
As our leaders do
Focus on light
And warn others, too!
This is a time for interfaith efforts!
I keep reading of a modern day Christian holocaust and wonder what we can do! I keep praying that our freedoms won't be taken away. I love America! I keep praying for other nations as well. There are so many good people who are in need of our prayers.

Our faith garners us the assurance
That the world will be a better place
As we join to give assistance
And share our bounties from God's grace
http://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-ballard-and-baptist-pastor-discuss-interfaith-coalitions?lang=eng
garners - definition of garners by the Free Online Dictionary ...
www.thefreedictionary.com/garnerstr.v. gar·nered, gar·ner·ing, gar·ners. 1. To gather and store in or as if in a granary. 2. To amass; acquire. See Synonyms at reap. n. 1. A granary. 2. A temple

The goodness of Jesus Christ
Is like a glowing searchlight
Bathing God's love among men
To lift with light and strengthen
We ever learn from His compassion
And this open our eyes for expansion
There to raise our sights with trust
Unto His parables that teach us
And as we strive to self improve
It is alongside our families we move
On His narrow path lit for perfection
Preparing for the day of resurrection
from Church New
Messages of inspiration from President Monson
Published: Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010
Best example
For the finest example of service, we turn to the life of the Lord. Like a glowing searchlight of goodness is the life of Jesus as He ministered among men. He brought strength to the limbs of the cripple, sight to the eyes of the blind, hearing to the ears of the deaf and life to the body of the dead.
His parables preach power. With the good Samaritan, He taught: "Love thy neighbor." Through His kindness to the woman taken in adultery, He taught compassionate understanding. In His parable of the talents, He taught each of us to improve himself and to strive for perfection. Well could He have been preparing us for our role in building a family. — Interfaith Conference on the American Family, American Mothers' Event, Sept. 13, 2003
Meridian Magazine - A Latter-day Saint View of the Conflict in the Holy Land
With sympathy and understanding
We wish to promote a place
For both the Jew and Palestinian
To enjoy a just and lasting peace
Each, being of Father Abraham
This land has been made holy
Ever it will be a prayerful land
For all of his children, wholly
A bridge of peaceBeing made todayHow this will pleaseWith combined faith, prayThat conflict will cease
For a just and lasting peaceRebuilding hope As a community of faiths
The Christians want thisThe Moslems and the JewsAll the world religionsImagine this great news!
June 07 2011
A Latter-day Saint View of the Conflict in the Holy Land
By D. Kelly Ogden
June 07 2011
It is hoped that Latter-day Saints can help provide a bridge of understanding between Arabs and Jews in that troubled region of the Holy Land and that to the extent that we look with sympathy and understanding at both sides, we can be an influence to help bring about a just and lasting peace.
[Verse 1]
With sympathy and understanding
We wish to promote a place
For both the Jew and Palestinian
To enjoy a just and lasting peace
[Pre-Chorus]
Each, being of Father Abraham
This land has been made holy
Ever it will be a prayerful land
For all of his children, wholly
[Chorus]
A bridge of peace
Being made today
How this will please
With combined faith, pray
That conflict will cease
For a just and lasting peace
Rebuilding hope
As a community of faiths
[Verse 2]
The Christians want this
The Moslems and the Jews
All the world religions
Imagine this great news!
[Pre-Chorus]
Each, being of Father Abraham
This land has been made holy
Ever it will be a prayerful land
For all of his children, wholly
[Chorus]
A bridge of peace
Being made today
How this will please
With combined faith, pray
That conflict will cease
For a just and lasting peace
Rebuilding hope
As a community of faiths
[Bridge]
With open hands, we stand
And make a way together
One sacred, patient land
For all of us forever
[Final Chorus]
A bridge of peace
Being made today
How this will please
With combined faith, pray
That conflict will cease
For a just and lasting peace
Rebuilding hope
As a community of faiths
With sympathy and understanding
We wish to promote a place
For both the Jew and Palestinian
To enjoy a just and lasting peace
Each, being of Father Abraham
This land has been made holy
Ever it will be a prayerful land
For all of his children, wholly
A Latter-day Saint View of the Conflict in the Holy Land
By D. Kelly Ogden
June 07 2011
It is hoped that Latter-day Saints can help provide a bridge of understanding between Arabs and Jews in that troubled region of the Holy Land and that to the extent that we look with sympathy and understanding at both sides, we can be an influence to help bring about a just and lasting peace.
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