Latter-day Saint Leaders Attend National Prayer Breakfast

The 48th Annual National Prayer Breakfast was recently held in Ottawa, Ontario, bringing members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints together with religious and political leaders across the country to pray together.

The National Prayer Breakfast is hosted by the organizers of the weekly Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast, where members of Canada’s Parliament put aside partisan issues to meet and express their faith in God and hope for His intervention in the affairs of the nation. Under the authority of the speakers of the Senate and the House of Commons, the theme of the event this year was “Contending for Our Faith.”

Local Church representative Michael Clifton said, “The highlight of the event is the opportunity to be acquainted and reacquainted with people from across the country and other nations whose interests in Canada’s spiritual well-being are as pronounced as their interest in its economy and politics.”

Attendees at this year’s event included various educational and religious leaders in addition to representatives of each of Canada’s recognized political parties, several Members of Parliament, and Dr. Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador to the Office of Religious Freedom.

Local Church leader James McBride said, “It was enlightening to have discussions with several politicians about our religious beliefs and especially with two of our local MP’s who shared openly their Christian faith and how their faith has motivated them to serve as politicians.”

Guests were entertained by famed Canadian operatic tenor Ben Heppner and deeply faithful American author Eric Metaxas. In his keynote address, Metaxas revealed how the faith and values of many Christians are similar, emphasizing the importance of loving others and being committed to make a difference in the world.

“The National Prayer Breakfast is a wonderful opportunity for members of our Church to meet with others of faith and join our prayers together asking our Heavenly Father to bless this nation,” said local Church leader Elder David Homer. “Especially encouraging was the unity of those attending regarding the importance of religious freedom in our communities and nation.”

Students were invited this year to participate in the National Student Forum that runs conjointly with the Prayer Breakfast events, providing an opportunity for a younger generation to build bridges of understanding.

There was a time of fellowship among guests — an opportunity to share the joys of living one's faith in a free country. Local Church representative Connie Maglioli remarked that it was “inspiring, thought-provoking and motivating.” She said, “What impressed me the most was that we were all fearless in that common ground as believers and defenders of Jesus Christ. There was a willingness to unify ourselves and work together to support one another.”