Earlier this month, senior leaders from the Ratana Established Church of New Zealand met in Auckland with Elder O. Vincent Haleck, president of the Pacific Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Elder Ian S. Ardern, second counsellor in the Pacific Area Presidency.
Included in the meeting were (left to right): Vernon Ruwhiu, a bishop in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Elder Ian S. Ardern, second counsellor in the Pacific Area Presidency of the Church; Elder O. Vincent Haleck, president of the Pacific Area; Joyal Pene, Spiritual Apostle of The Ratana Established Church of New Zealand; Kereama Pene, Regional Apostle; and Puhi Pene, Local Apostle.
The leaders discussed their common belief in Jesus Christ, Ratana’s visit to Salt Lake City almost a century ago, and the upcoming 28 July 2018 Morehu Day in Auckland to celebrate the Ratana Church’s 100th anniversary.
Speaking of the historic meeting this week, Elder Haleck expressed his delight to meet with “our Ratana friends” and to discuss “our common love of the Saviour, Jesus Christ, the people of New Zealand, and the importance of families.”
He added, “We are grateful for their interest in working together to be a positive influence in this wonderful land.”
Apotoro Takiwa Kereama Pene stated: "This has been an historic gathering for us as leaders of the Ratana Church. The last time the LDS and Ratana faiths gathered together was in 1925 when our founder Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana visited the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah. He declared that we, the Maori people, are direct descendants of the house of Israel. We stand with the LDS in confirming our faith in Jesus Christ and those values he represented."
Mormons believe in respecting the diverse beliefs and unique contributions of all the world’s faiths.