Singapore is home to numerous religions living within our multiracial and multicultural society. These include many different smaller faith communities, some newer and some older, which are largely unknown to the wider general public. To gain a better understanding of and build better relations among the different faiths, there have been ongoing efforts to build mutual understanding among these communities, through sharing about their history, beliefs and contributions to society.
On July 1, 2023, the Centre for Interfaith Understanding collaborated with the Harmony Circles and Dialogue Centre to organise a visit to the Singapore Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The visit started with an introductory briefing of the Church’s beliefs and key programmes. The group of 15 attendees next moved to our Family History Centre at the Church’s Singapore Stake Centre where they learned more about FamilySearch, an online family history platform developed and maintained by the Church, and how it allows members of the Church to collect family history records throughout the world. The participants also had the chance to learn more about the Church’s missionary work and service projects by the Stake Relief Society.
The most interesting portion of the visit was the open dialogue with members of the Church. Singapore Stake President Jean-Luc Butel, together with other Church leaders were on hand to discuss and answer questions. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions about the Church, its history and some policies and points of view. With the spirit of learning and understanding that was present, all the participants enjoyed the informative, lively and open dialogue.
The visit was a unique opportunity to share in depth about the Church. We look forward to more visits from our friends in the interfaith community, as well as visits to other faiths to learn more about their beliefs. This is aligned with what Thomas S. Monson, one of the previous Presidents of the Church, taught that “we have a responsibility to be active in the communities where we live … and to work cooperatively with other churches and organizations” (press conference held on Feb 4, 2008).
