In a short video message, Elder D. Martin Goury, First Counsellor in the Canada Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, praised the country’s diversity and co-operative spirit, saying, “Canada is full of very wonderful people.” He urged Latter-day Saints to “enjoy and embrace this blessing” of cultural diversity and said that while Church members “might look different — we might speak differently — but we have all embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ.” He reminded Canadian Saints that they are “no longer strangers, but fellow citizens.”
A native of Gagnoa, Côte d’Ivoire, Elder Goury joined the Church while studying in London, U.K. His professional background includes engineering and project management, as well as service for the Church. He served as president of the Benin Cotonou Mission from 2017 to 2020, then as an Area Seventy. He was sustained as a General Authority Seventy in April 2024. Elder Goury, Elder Vern P. Stanfill (Area President) and Elder James E. Evanson (Second Counsellor) lead the new Canada Area.
Canada Newsroom invited Elder Goury to share his thoughts about his new role working with communities in Canada. In the following interview, he describes the principles that shape his leadership, including a personal identity as a child of God, trust in the Lord, diligence and perseverance. He says his years living and serving in multiple countries helped him understand the challenges of adapting to new cultures and taught him to rely on the Saviour when feeling unqualified.
Interview
What guiding principles or experiences from your life and ministry shape your leadership most?
My leadership is shaped, first and foremost, by a clear understanding of my personal identity as a child of God. Knowing who I am to Him gives direction, confidence and humility in serving others.
I have also learned to trust the Lord in all situations, especially when the path forward is uncertain. Proverbs 3:5–6< has been a constant guide, reminding me that when I acknowledge the Lord, He will direct my paths.
Alongside faith, I believe deeply in working hard, but also [working] wisely and never giving up, trusting that the Lord honours diligence and perseverance (see Galatians 6:9).
Several life and ministry experiences have refined these principles. Living in foreign countries and navigating unfamiliar cultures helped me understand the challenges many members face as they adapt to new environments.
I have also had opportunities to serve when I felt underqualified, which taught me that the Lord often qualifies those whom He calls (see Ether 12:27). Repeatedly moving between countries and starting anew, often due to decisions beyond my control, has strengthened my reliance on the Lord and reaffirmed that faith in Him brings stability even amid change (see 1 Nephi 3:7).
What priorities or hopes do you have for the members and communities in Canada?
My hope is that the Saints in Canada will be united in Christ and move forward together with faith and purpose. Unity centred on the Saviour allows us to face challenges with strength and hope (see Mosiah 18:21).
I pray that our congregations will welcome all who join us with open hearts, embracing one another despite differences in background, culture or experience, as Christ Himself taught us to love one another (see John 13:34–35).
I also hope members will continue to let the Saviour be the answer to whatever comes their way, following the counsel often emphasized by President Dallin H. Oaks: to look to Jesus Christ as our sure foundation in times of uncertainty. When Christ remains at the centre of our lives and communities, we can move forward with confidence and peace.
How do you see your role in helping to build unity among diverse Latter-day Saint congregations?
I see my role as inviting members to look beyond our differences and focus on what unites us — our faith in Jesus Christ. Each person is a beloved son or daughter of Heavenly Father, and recognizing that shared divine identity helps foster respect, compassion and understanding (see Galatians 3:26–28).
Social, cultural or political differences should never create division among us, for the Saviour taught that contention is not of Him (see 3 Nephi 11:29).
I also strive to encourage members to actively participate in building Zion where they are — within their wards, branches and communities. Unity grows as we serve together, lift one another and work toward common spiritual goals (see Doctrine and Covenants 38:27). As we do so, we become a stronger, more Christ-centred people.
Elder Goury expressed his hope that congregations in Canada will “be united in Christ,” welcome those from different backgrounds and build a Christ-centred community by serving and lifting one another.