News Release

People of Faith Work Together for a Stronger Cook Islands

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are joining with members of other faiths in the Cook Islands to tackle tough problems such as drink driving.

Preventing drink driving is one of many issues government leaders and people of faith feel strongly about supporting.

“We are working to assist our local and national police force in promoting sober driving, especially amongst our younger generation,” said John Mateara, a senior Latter-day Saint leader in Cook Islands.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are positioned to lead out in promoting the national Don’t Drink and Drive campaign since their religious beliefs include abstaining from alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs.

“We hope to utilize our young adults to promote sober driving and to reduce alcohol abuse among our youth, especially when it results in tragedy,” said Mateara. 

Churches in Cook Islands have a long history of working and worshiping together.

Recently members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined over 350 people at an interfaith fellowship service at the Seventh Day Adventist Hall.  Other denominations that attended included Roman Catholic, Assembly of God, and Cook Islands Christian Church.

The theme of the fellowship service was Jesus Christ: The Rock of our Salvation. 

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