Lloyd Newell narrates historic interfaith concert at LA meetinghouse

Lloyd D. Newell, president of the Church’s California Los Angeles Mission, narrated a historic interfaith concert held at a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Los Angeles, California, on October 18, 2026. The event brought together members of Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh communities for the first Los Angeles interfaith concert. The gathering was free and open to all attendees.

The evening featured a diverse array of musical traditions, including African American gospel music, Muslim traditional drums, and contributions from Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Latter-day Saint, and Sikh musicians. Choirs, soloists, children, and instrumentalists performed music that held significance within their respective faith traditions, uniting in song to celebrate shared values and cultural expressions.

President Newell, who served for 34 years as announcer and writer for The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square’s international broadcast, “Music & the Spoken Word,” provided narration for the event. His role in the Church’s mission and his background in music underscored the importance of cultural and spiritual exchange during the concert.

The interfaith concert reflected the Church’s commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding among different religious communities. By hosting such an event at a meetinghouse, the Church demonstrated its dedication to creating spaces where people of various faiths can come together in mutual respect and appreciation.

The gathering included a presentation of an award of honor to Elder John L. Merrill, Area Seventy, by a representative of the City of Los Angeles. This recognition highlighted the collaborative spirit between the Church and local civic leaders in promoting unity and community engagement.

The event’s theme emphasized the power of music to uplift and renew, blending newly composed choral works with familiar classical melodies. This approach created a deeply peaceful and moving experience for attendees, showcasing the Church’s ongoing efforts to use art and music as tools for connection and inspiration.

Through this interfaith concert, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continued its mission of outreach and service, demonstrating a commitment to peace and reconciliation. The gathering served as a reminder of the shared human experience and the potential for harmony among diverse communities.

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