Manitoba leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined the Manitoba Multifaith Council to commemorate the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2015. The gathering was held at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the grounds of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg.
Dr. Mohinder Singh Dhillon, president of the Manitoba Multifaith Council, welcomed attendees and expressed appreciation for their participation in an event that organizers hope will increase unity, understanding, tolerance and peace.
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Local faith community representatives were invited to read from sacred texts and to offer prayers on behalf of peace. Richard Baronins, a local ecclesiastical leader for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, read from the Book of Mormon and the New Testament.
Christine Baronins, director of public affairs for the Church in Manitoba, was also in attendance. She commented, “It was a great honour to take part in such a meaningful and unifying event. How appropriate that it took place in Gandhi’s shadow. This was a man whose far-reaching influence reminds each of us that one person can make a difference and be a powerful promoter of peace.”
Latter-day Saints consider Jesus Christ, to be the Prince of Peace. Even in times of turmoil, they take comfort in these words from the Saviour: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “If the nation, a single State, community, or family ought to be grateful for anything, it is peace. Our motto, then, is Peace with all! We want to live in peace with all men. [Let us] cultivate peace by honoring one another and refusing to find fault.”