Elder C. Scott Grow of the Seventy and representatives from a variety of faiths shared messages of gratitude and unity as part of the Inclusion Center's 23rd annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service on Sunday, Nov. 18.
Hosted by the Church in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square, the interfaith service included messages from Catholic, Latter-day Saint, Jewish, Muslim, Baha'i, Sikh, Hindu and Native American representatives. Music was provided by the One Voice Children's Choir.
Elder Grow joined speakers in calling for communities of faith to "come together."
"We have come together today knowing that we can make a difference," he said. "Whatever may be our doctrinal differences, we stand united as we express our faith in God."
Alex Shapiro, executive director of the United Jewish Federation of Utah, praised the strength that comes through uniting diverse beliefs and cultures. He said interfaith unity can prevent bigotry and persecution.
"We do not need to be uniform in order to be united," he said.
The event is held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving and is hosted by different faiths in different locations each year. It has been 18 years since the Church last hosted the event.
