Jesus of Nazareth is always our ultimate model for living peaceably together. And loving one another. Even the neighbor who lives differently than you do. Christ taught, by example, the power and purpose of what true interfaith community building can look like. Despite his Jewish upbringing, Jesus transcended the particular boundaries of His faith and reached outside His own culture, building interfaith connections.
Christ’s Teachings and Examples
We can read of Jesus’ interfaith connections throughout the scriptures: including Mark and Matthew, and especially the account of the Samaritan woman in John. Jesus extended Himself—whether it was with the poor or rich, gentile or Jew, men or women. The Savior shared the good news of the Gospel with all of God’s children, regardless of their social, cultural or religious status.
The Son of God came to earth to save all God’s children. We can easily see that the parable of the Good Samaritan beautifully illustrates that what makes us different doesn’t need to divide us, but can help heal us.
Jesus’ teachings were bold. He taught not only to love your fellow man but also to forgive and pray for your enemies. When Jesus praised the faith of the Roman centurion whose servant He had healed (Luke 78), He taught that even in groups that hurt us there are still opportunities for interfaith connections.
Interfaith Enthusiasm
Church apostle Orson F. Whitney taught, “God is using more than one people for the accomplishment of his great and marvelous work. The Latter-day Saints cannot do it all. It is too vast, too arduous, for any one people.” 1
I was blessed to grow up in a religious and culturally diverse community with deep interfaith connections. Northern California is home to robust farming fields and family-friendly events like town parades and Friday night football games. The Yuba Sutter area is also known for strong Sikh, Jewish, Catholic and other devout Christian congregations. I was known as one of the rare “Mormons” in school.
When President Russell M. Nelson announced, in October 2018, that Yuba City, California would be getting a temple, not only were the members of the Church excited but the entire community rejoiced with the news. City leaders were enthusiastic about having a new temple in their midst.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ connection to the land on which the Feather River California Temple sits in Yuba City goes back 50 years . . . . a story rich in interfaith harmony and mutual respect. In the early 1970s, Mehar Tumber and his family (devout Sikhs) owned the land and used it to grow peaches.
He had no desire to sell until Church representatives approached him about buying it for a stake center.
“He loved the idea,” recalled Raji Tumber, his daughter.
He came home that day when he said yes and said, “I’m so happy. We are so blessed to have the Church here as our neighbor, as our anchor. They’re going to anchor us and keep us. We’re going to be in a great relationship.” 2
Interfaith Connections at the Temple
During the public open house, this past August, I had the opportunity to invite some of my friends from junior high and high school to a private tour of the temple with Area President Elder Mark Bragg. What a sacred experience to sit in the celestial and sealing rooms with dear people who know my story and have always shown great respect for my faith. Our interfaith connections bring us such joy.
Elder Bragg invited us to find Christ in the symbolism and design of the temple. As we talked about covenants and the eternal nature of families, I was overcome with gratitude and emotion. There I saw the power and possibility of interfaith. I was able to share with my friends about how the temple has blessed me with strength and spirit, especially during times of opposition.
Sharing my faith and tender feelings that day wasn’t about converting anyone. It was about witnessing of Christ and fostering deeper connection with people I love. My childhood friends were overcome with the beauty of the building and the hope and healing taught by Jesus. The spirit was so strong as we sat together and reflected on the things of heaven.
This experience was not just unique to our tour. Raji Tumber (quoted above) described the Feather River Temple as “a forever building,” a place that radiates faith. She said she felt her father, Mehar, was present as she walked through the temple and that he was surely “smiling big and so happy” that this holy structure is part of the community.
She continued,
The celestial room was so emotional for me because I feel my father was there witnessing this, enjoying this feeling, this blessed room where people come and feel what it’s going to be like in eternity.
Divinity in Our Diversity
Instead of fearing what is different, follow the example of Jesus and discover the divinity in others by discovering diversity. Support for all faiths, including interfaith connections, can foster support for your faith.
For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, respect for and interaction with members of other faiths and cultures is paramount. Early in church history, Joseph Smith gave us the 11th Article of Faith: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”
The commandment to love thy neighbor as thyself is an invitation to love neighbors who worship, vote, and think differently than you do. Don’t complicate it. Look to other believers. Foster interfaith connections in natural and normal ways—Just as Jesus did.
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