News Release

Faith and School Communities Join for Cultural Exchange

Elder O. Vincent Haleck of the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints led a delegation to Catholic high school, Bishop Viard College, in Porirua yesterday.

Among the visitors were members of the Brigham Young University “Living Legends” performing group.

The BYU students performed a number of dances and songs for the Bishop Viard College students and faculty, followed by the school’s I-Kiribati and Cook Islands performing groups also sharing some dances.

At one stage the Cook Islands group dancers invited Elder Haleck and some of the other guests to join them on the dance floor.

After the visit Elder Haleck said, “We were so graciously received by Principal Rose Sawaya, her faculty and the students of Bishop Viard College. We shared our faith and cultures in a wonderful exchange and coming together.”

“Notwithstanding some differences across cultures and faiths,” he said, “we share so very much. We are children of God, we are brothers and sisters, we love God, we love our families, we love our neighbours and friends, and we love our cultures.”

Elder Haleck added, “In an increasingly troubled world, which our young people are facing, people of faith and goodwill need to stand together in love, understanding and kindness—teaching principles of prayer, scripture study, education, hard work, service to and cooperation with another.”

“If our young people know who they truly are, as children of a loving God, and that He and we—their parents, grandparents, teachers and leaders—have confidence in them, then they are more likely to look to the future with hope.”   

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