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The Hon Andrew Hastie MP, Member for Canning recently met with Perth leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to discuss issues of mutual interest at one of his quarterly interfaith teas in Western Australia.
Elder Paul Lekias - Area Seventy, Rhys G. Standley - president of the Rockingham Stake (diocese) and his wife Jasmine Standley, Fiona Maile – Public Affairs Director for Western Australia and Karen Spicer- Public Affairs Director Rockingham Stake were in attendance.
Elder Lekias remarked about Mr Hastie's expressions of gratitude to the LDS Church for their doctrine and teaching on the family. He was touched when a framed copy of 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World' was presented and explained.
Mr Hastie is a strong believer in traditional marriage, and was a strong campaigner in the recent postal vote around changes to the marriage act. He observed, "Your pioneer stock comes from facing opposition and persecution and knowing how to face it. I believe there will be more to come.”
Mr Hastie is also heavily involved in the "Religious Freedom Review" and is passionate about maintaining such freedoms in Australia. It was acknowledged that fairness and kindness need to be extended to all.
"As a Church, we would be happy to offer input and be involved in a working committee,” suggested Elder Lekias to which Hastie replied, “We would greatly value the input from the LDS Church.”
It was a positive meeting for all who attended, and President Rhys Standley was invited to attend quarterly interfaith meetings in 2018.
At the conclusion of the tea, Mr Hastie was given a “For the Strength of Youth” pamphlet, a Mormon Tabernacle Choir cd and an invitation to address about 400 youth and 100 young single adults at a conference to be held in 2018.
Elder Lekias recalled, “The visit with Andrew Hastie was very productive. From the moment we met in his office there was a very welcoming spirit present and we felt of his friendship towards the Church.”