Local Pages
Planting a Seed with the Local Muslim Community
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Tuggerah Ward on the New South Wales Central Coast recently had the opportunity to take part in a community dialogue hosted by the Central Coast Islamic Cultural Centre.
The ward members first became acquainted with the Islamic Cultural Centre when their chapel was undergoing refurbishment. Bishop Val Moana of the Tuggerah Ward felt inspired that the leftover chapel chairs could be put to better use than being taken to the landfill. Bishop Moana explained, “We asked each of the ward members to prayerfully consider who might benefit from the usage of these old chapel chairs.”
The chairs were subsequently donated to members of the Islamic faith on the Central Coast. Mr. Mohammed Taib (Mosque Leader) from the Centre was deeply appreciative of the church for rendering such service.
Mr. Taib extended an invitation for the Tuggerah Ward members to participate in a community dialogue hosted by the Central Coast Islamic Cultural Centre. Ken Ferguson, who currently serves as an Interfaith Specialist in the Gosford Stake (diocese), attended the event and noted, “The meeting with the Islamic people at the mosque was a wonderful experience. The local Police were there and a minister from another faith.”
The Gosford Stake intends to continue working with members from the Islamic Cultural Centre as part of community dialogue and interfaith building on the New South Wales Central Coast.
Around the world, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regularly engage with various faiths and community groups to help build a camaraderie of respect and understanding.