A Thanksgiving gathering of many religious denominations was hosted by the Church in the Salt Lake Tabernacle Sunday, Nov. 20. President Gordon B. Hinckley, first counselor in the First Presidency, gave the welcome and remarks.
The gathering was the fifth annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, sponsored by the National Council of Christians and Jews. Previous services were hosted by Methodist, Jewish, Greek Orthodox and Catholic congregations in Salt Lake City."All of us carry in our hearts the desire to assist the poor, help the distressed, to be a comfort, hope and help to all who are in trouble and pain for whatever problems," President Hinckley said in his remarks. "We recognize the need to heal the wounds of society and replace with optimism and faith the pessimism of our times. We must recognize that there is no need for recrimination or criticism against one another. We must use our influence to still the voices of angry and vindictive argument."
Elder John E. Fowler of the Seventy, president of the Utah North Area, was among religious leaders who read from ancient religious texts. His reading was from the Book of Mormon, while others were from the Old and New testaments and from the Koran.
Featured speaker at the gathering was Rabbi Frederick L. Wenger of Congregation Kol Ami, a Jewish congregation in Salt Lake City.
