A group of single women members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met for a special devotional recently.
Local Latter-day Saint leader, Suzanne Pitama, opened the gathering by expressing her love for all in attendance.
“You are daughters of our Father in Heaven and He loves you,” she said.
“We love you, and we are here to support and value each other through all circumstances.”
Those in attendance discussed common interests such as giving service in the community, tramping, sports and other opportunities to build stronger friendships and simply enjoy each other’s company.
Jennifer Beck, the Church’s Christchurch director of public affairs, said, “The gospel is all about love. Love for the Saviour Jesus Christ and for people of diversity and in all circumstances.”
All Latter-day Saint women, around the world, are members of an organization called “Relief Society.”
With approximately six million members and being organized in every congregation of the Church globally, the Relief Society is one of the largest and oldest women’s organizations in the world. It was founded in 1842.
The purpose of Relief Society, as stated on LDS.org, is to “help prepare women for the blessings of eternal life as they: increase faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement; strengthen families and homes through ordinances and covenants; and work in unity to help those in need.”