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Mormon Missionary Choir Sings at New Zealand Mandela Day Interfaith Service

Government officials, diplomats, faith leaders and others from the community gathered to mark Mandela Day on 18 July at Te Wharewaka o Poneke Events Centre on Wellington, New Zealand’s waterfront.

The event was organised by the South African High Commission, Wellington City Council and Wellington Interfaith Council.

The theme for the service was: “Have Courage When Things are Tough.”

The faith service celebrated Nelson Mandela’s life as one who symbolises courage in the face of conflict and opposition. 

  
                              

The programme, conducted by Wellington City Councillor Brian Dawson, included speeches by Wellington Mayor Justin Lester, Dean of Diplomats, His Excellency Mr. Leasi Papalii Scanlan, and South African High Commissioner, Her Excellency Ms. Vuyiswa Tulelo.

In her speech, Ms. Tulelo encouraged individuals to “be loyal to their beliefs, take action against poverty, and look for ways to inspire change.”

 
                

35 missionaries from the Wellington, New Zealand Mission, representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sang three songs:

Called to serve; I Am a Child of God; and As I Have Loved You.

Those attending the service joined the missionaries in singing As I Have Loved You in Te Reo Māori and English.

Mormons believe in the Saviour's admonition to love our neighbours as ourselves.


 

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