David Southwick, Liberal member for Caulfield in the Victorian Parliament, recently dropped in for a visit at the Caulfield Ward of the Heidleberg stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Church members were holding one of their regular ‘Soup Sundays’ and the cultural hall was filled to capacity when Mr Southwick arrived. People took the opportunity to talk with the Member of Parliament about common interests, including the challenges faced by the youth of the Church, The Latter-day Saint family history program and our basic beliefs.
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David is a family man and the father of two children. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes strongly in the sanctity of the Family Unit.
A Family that progresses forever is at the core of their Church doctrine. Within families led by a father and a mother, children develop virtues such as love, trust, loyalty, cooperation and service.
According to Church doctrine, a marriage performed in one of the Church’s temples does not dissolve at death as long as the couple remain faithful to their temple vows.
Another core value of the Church is its non-partisan approach to politics. Church leaders do not direct members to vote in any particular way, but welcome the opportunity to build relationships with community leaders of all political persuasions. Reflecting this view, the Church has presented family histories to both Labor and Liberal Prime Ministers.
Mr Southwick has been representing his electorate since November 2010 and currently holds the position of Parliamentary Secretary for police and Emergency Services in the Victorian State Government. He also serves on several parliamentary committees dealing with law reform, drugs and crime prevention.
Bishop Andrew Rancie encouraged Mr. Southwick to “Think of the Caulfield Ward if a volunteer force is needed for a community service project within the electoral boundaries. We in the Caulfield Ward want to help not only church members, but also our neighbours who are not of our faith”.
The Mormons believe in helping in their communities and are now involved in humanitarian work in 182 countries around the world.
David Southwick not only took the time to visit with Church members on Sunday but also thanked them on his Facebook page for making him feel so welcome.
Watch a video about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their belief in following Jesus Christ.