Religious leaders gather for largest interfaith event ever held in Utah

Church leaders from around the world gathered in Salt Lake City for the G20 Interfaith Forum, the largest such event ever held in Utah. The three-day meeting took place in the historic Salt Lake Tabernacle, bringing together religious leaders, scholars, and government officials to address global challenges through dialogue and cooperation.

President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted the opening ceremony, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared efforts for the good of all people. “Surely, this is the most prominent constellation of leaders on the subject that brings us together, that has ever gathered in Salt Lake City,” Oaks said, expressing support for the forum’s goals.

The event featured performances by the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, including a rendition of “Oh, Come All Ye Nations of the World.” Choir President Michael Leavitt delivered the welcome address, setting a tone of mutual respect and collaboration.

Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary general of the Muslim World League, spoke about the importance of religious peace and harmony in societies. “What we aspire to achieve in outcomes that add to the contribution of religious peace, the peace of our world and the harmony of its societies,” Al-Issa said, highlighting the forum’s potential impact.

Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, apostolic nuncio to the United States, conveyed a message from Pope Leo XIV, expressing hope that the forum would serve as a model of solidarity in promoting human dignity, religious freedom, and the common good. “We come because our traditions keep alive the deeper question of what it means to recognize every person as our neighbor and to shape our common lives accordingly,” Caccia said.

The forum’s opening session focused on “Peacemaking through Disagreeing Better,” addressing the challenges of rising contempt and hyper-partisanship in today’s world. Leaders emphasized the role of faith in fostering nonviolence, understanding different religions and cultures, and treating those with whom one disagrees with respect.

Participants believed that faith leaders can play a vital role in bridging divides and promoting peaceful coexistence. The discussions aimed to influence the upcoming G20 Summit in Miami, with the hope of advancing initiatives that reflect the values of unity and mutual respect.

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