News Release

Many Faiths Meet Together to Celebrate the Season

Catholic, Hindu, Muslim, Uniting, Baptist, Anglicans and Mormons share music, refreshments and faiths

Many faiths met together on Saturday 6th December at Buckland House, the headquarters of the Church in Carlingford, Sydney for an annual Christmas Season celebration.        

“The more and more I associate with people of others faiths, the more and more I realise how much we have in common with each other,” said Brandon Murrin, a member of the stake presidency of the Church’s Macarthur stake.  “We must build upon those things because we can uphold religious freedoms as we unite.  Having strong religious groups strengthens the family and having strong families strengthens the community.” 

The gathering of 106 then heard from a chamber orchestra and choir led by David Meredith.  The last of the musical numbers was Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’.  The audience stood as the words and music rang out through the halls. 

In attendance at the gathering were David and Marisa Clark.  Mr Clark is a member of the Legislative Council in the NSW Parliament. 

The couple, along with other guests, were taken on a tour of the Art Exhibit of The Life of Jesus Christ. They mentioned that they appreciated the works of Carl Bloch and Walter Raine’s depictions of the Saviour.

David Elliott, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Homelessness and the Centenary of ANZAC, represented the Premier of NSW, Mike Baird, at the event.  Mr Elliott is the member for the local electorate of Baulkham Hills.

The Rev Fred Nile was also among the guests.  Mr. Nile is the leader of the Christian Democratic Party in the State Parliament and is also a member of the Legislative Council.  He stayed to watch the film about Jesus Christ shown in the conference room. 

Also in attendance were Councillor James Shaw of Parramatta Council, a Solicitor and State Labor Candidate for Parramatta; Councillor Susai Benjamin of Blacktown Council, a Barrister and the State Labor candidate for Seven Hills; and Councillor Mark Taylor of Baulkham Hills Council and State Liberal candidate for Seven Hills with his wife Petrina and their children.

President Murrin shared a quote that evening by Thomas S. Monson, world-wide leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “When we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit.  It will block out all the distractions around us which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning.  There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.

“Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow.  As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year.  It is His example, which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.”

John Cunniffe, NSW director of public affairs for the Church, said of the event, “This reception was a wonderful opportunity to recognise some of our community leaders and showcase some extraordinary musical talent. Tonight we were treated to some of the great works of Handel, which was capped off with the Life of Jesus Christ in Art exhibition and the Sydney Temple Christmas lights and Nativity Scene. What a wonderful way to come together and celebrate our faiths.”


Read a short article about Interfaith Relations and the Church.

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