Muslim Youth Tour Latter-day Saint Chapel and Temple Grounds

Youth from The Ismaili Muslim's Community and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints discovered there is power in interfaith relationships at an event held at the Maroondah Stake (diocese) chapel in Wantirna South.

Organised by the Whitehorse Interfaith Network, the afternoon event was attended by 17 Muslim youth from the Ismaili Community and 21 Latter-day Saint youth from the Wantirna South Ward (congregation) as well as leaders, parents and missionaries.

The Muslim group was given an inside look into the Church, with Latter-day Saint youth presenting an overview of their faith and answering questions on topics including Sabbath day worship, church history, temples and family history, youth programs, and priesthood responsibilities.

Isabella Pickford, 14, told the group about Personal Progress - a goal-based program young women may work on between the ages of 12 and 18 for their personal and spiritual development.

“I liked sharing my own experiences,” said Isabella. “It felt really good to be able to tell other people about what I believe and I liked being able to share what I’d done for [Personal Progress].”

Following the Q&A, smaller groups were taken on a tour through the Latter-day Saint chapel and temple grounds, where they continued to learn about the faith and make new friends.

Isabella said she felt that building relationships with people of other faiths was important, “so everybody can learn about each other.”

Adam Simon, Bishop of the Wantirna South Ward commented on the “spirit of friendship, love and mutual respect present.”

“They were very appreciative of the opportunity to learn more about us,” he said. “We were all delighted to find many common beliefs and values. Truly we are all children of our Heavenly Father.”

Damon Page, President of the Maroondah Stake (diocese) said the event was well worth running regularly and with other faiths.

“It was an outstanding event and very effective in building appreciation and personal relationships between our respective faiths,” said President Page. “I was particularly impressed with our young people who articulated our beliefs and practices so well.”

Amyn Zariwala, Chairman of the Whitehorse Interfaith Network and representative of The Ismaili Muslim's Community who initiated the event said, "The purpose of the visit was to give perspective to youth from the Ismaili Community about different faith groups living around us and find commonalities among us."

He added that he looked forward to having the Latter-day Saint group visit The Ismaili Community Centre Vermont in the near future.