News Release

Catholic and Latter-day Saint Leaders Discuss Religious Freedom in Tonga

Elder Aisake Tukuafu, a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, met with His Eminence Cardinal Soane Patita Paini MafI last week in Nuku’alofa.

The faith  leaders discussed issues of common concern in Tonga for Catholics and Latter-day Saints. Subjects discussed included how to help young people strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ, supporting traditional marriage and family, and defending religious freedom for all.

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Tonga Nuku’alofa Mission, Leitoni M. Tupou and fellow Latter-day Saint, Vili Harris, also attended the meeting. 

A respect for the diverse beliefs and unique contributions of all the world’s faiths is one of the hallmarks of Mormonism. 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).

Read more about Latter-day Saints and interfaith relations.

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