Members and guests of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took part in a weekend of discussions earlier this year, regarding shared values, beliefs, histories and goals of Māori and Mormons.
The gathering took place on 10-11 February 2018 at Mataitaua Marae, in Hokianga, Northland.
The Church’s lay leader in Kaikohe and the surrounding areas, President Trevor Beatson, says he and other Latter-day Saints in Northland have felt strongly for some time to gather with Māori to listen, learn and grow together.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be found in most countries of the world. In many of the more than 30,000 congregations globally you will find a diverse range of people from many ethnicities and backgrounds, speaking many languages.
In a commentary published in Pacific Mormon Newsroom, titled, “Mormon and Maori,” it states: “Mormonism in New Zealand has been enriched in significant ways over the past century and a half by its Māori members. Tens of thousands have unified and edified Mormon congregations with their faith, energy, dedication and many other talents and contributions.”
In another Mormon Newsroom commentary, titled, “Multicultural Mormons: Embracing Cultural Diversity and Nurturing Unity,” it states: “The message of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is for all people. It is a universal message of God's love for all of His children, of restored New Testament Christianity, of revelation, and of additional scripture testifying of Jesus Christ. Mormonism is a rich tapestry of millions of individuals, from diverse cultures and speaking the many languages of the world. Overlaying the diversity of Mormon congregations, is an overarching theme and desire to become one with God, with our fellow Latter-day Saints, and with our neighbours and friends of other faiths.”
Newsroom contributor: Mallory Mortensen