If you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:46-48 ESV) Yesterday, October 4, 2014, I attended the opening session of the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Otherwise known as the L.D.S. Church or the Mormon Church. I am not sure but this may be the first time a seated diocesan bishop of the Episcopal Church has ever attended a General Conference session. I decided to to do this because as a bishop of the Episcopal Church I am called to be a connector. I help to connect the diocese together through visitations, convention and programs. I connect our diocese with the larger Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion via the House of Bishops, the Province and conversation, and I connect with the larger religious and secular community via attendance at events of importance in the life of their respective churches and advocacy (when working for change through the legislature.) I believe that connecting with others, especially those of different faith traditions, is very important. The world has suffered far too long as a result of people of different faiths warring with one another. I do not want to contribute to that. I was warmly received by many within the LDS Church hierarchy. I was escorted by Elder Whitney Clayton, one of the quorum of the Seventy. Elder Rob Howell with the Public Affairs Department made sure that I was looked after. I was seated in center of the second row of the Conference Center. (The Conference Center seats 21,000 people.) Governor Gary Herbert, Senator Orrin Hatch, and Senator John Flake (Arizona) were seated quite a distance back. Elder Clayton introduced me to many people (he must know every person in the LDS Church) and I was greeted warmly by Elder Perry (Quorum of the Twelve). Elder Ballard (Quorum of the Twelve) came in later and saw me after he had been seated and gave me a thumbs up sign. I write this because I think it important to let you know of the hospitality that was afforded me. The opening session, indeed all of the sessions, were transmitted via satellite and iterate to 100 hundred countries /96 languages. What were my impressions? I will never be and will never agree or believe the same doctrinal stances of the LDS Church. That is, I am firmly happy where I am and believe that the doctrine and theology of the Episcopal Church represent the fullest expression of the Gospel. There is a great deal to admire in the LDS Church. They are trying to find their way in a changing world just as we all are. I admire their forthrightness (even if I do not agree with all of their positions), their ‘can do’ spirit, the commitment of their people, and the confidence that their people know their church’s beliefs. The morning session speakers were President Thomas Monson, President Boyd Packer, Elder Lynn G. Robbins, Elder Chi Hong Wong, Elder D. Todd Christofferson,and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir performed throughout. They spoke about commitment, atonement, responsibility, working together, importance of each member being a witness of Christ, Jesus as the model for behavior, that people should strive to please God and not be consumed with trying to always please others, and that God expects his people to live holy lives. Much of what they spoke about had a universal appeal. There were also points made that were specific to Mormon Church Doctrine. I was there wearing my purple shirt, collar, and pectoral cross. They were gracious, warm, and welcoming to me throughout.
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 00:21:28 +0000
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