During two meetings held on Wednesday, 26 August, 2015 in Apia, Samoa, leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Catholic Archdiocese of Samoa-Apia, and the Samoa National Council of Christian Churches discussed faith initiatives that are blessing many lives.
In the first meeting, Elder Lynn G. Robbins, Elder O. Vincent Haleck and Elder Meliula Fata of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met with His Grace Alapati Lui Mataeliga, Archbishop of Samoa-Apia.
- Elder Robbins and Archbishop Alapati Lui Mataeliga
- Elder Robbins Samoa August 2015 Samoa Council of Churches
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The Latter-day Saint leaders were accompanied by their wives, Jan Robbins, Peggy Haleck and Ponaivao Fata.
The visitors thanked Archbishop Mataeliga for his leadership and service to the people of Samoa over many years.
Archbishop Mataeliga thanked the Church for its support of the poor and needy, as well as elderly Samoan citizens who reside at the Catholic Church’s home for the aged at Mapuifagalele. Speaking of the Church’s efforts to reach out to others, he said, “You truly have the missionary spirit.”
Later in the day, Elders Robbins, Haleck and Fata met with the chairman and vice-chairman of the Samoa National Council of Christian Churches, Reverend Deacon Kasiano Leaupepe and Reverend Elder Aisoli Luli. The faith leaders discussed ways the various churches are working together to bless individuals, families and communities.
In an article titled “Interfaith Relations” on Mormon Newsroom, it states, “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).
“It is important to note that interfaith cooperation does not require doctrinal compromise. Though the Church asserts its ecclesiastical independence and recognizes its doctrinal differences, this does not prevent it from partnering with other faiths in charitable projects. These efforts are based on universal values. A different interpretation of the atonement of Christ, for example, need not diminish the mandate of Christ to “love thy neighbour as thyself.” Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a separation between charitable efforts and doctrinal tenets, while at the same time sharing mutual concern for those in need. People of good faith do not need to have the exact same beliefs in order to accomplish great things in the service of their fellow human beings.”