It’s the largest landlocked country in the world.
Kazakhstan, with its storied nomadic past, Turkic
and Genghis Khan’s Mongol Empire cultures.
It also boast one of the most modern and esthetically futuristic cities in
the world, the capital Nur-sultan.
But it's not just about the city's unique skyline.
It's also about the acceptance of diverse cultures and religions
and why it was chosen to host
the seventh Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions,
attended by the world's foremost interfaith and government leaders,
including Pope Francis, head of the Catholic church.
In the convening session,
leaders discussed the spiritual and social development of humanity
in the post-pandemic period.
And for the first time in its history,
an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attended.
“Greetings, honorable friends and associates.”
And delivered a speech to the body of congress in
the convening plenary session.
“I praise the generosity and openness of Kazakhstan government and society.
You have built a space where religious variety can contribute to
the betterment of your nation.”
“My message was an invitation for reflection,
an invitation for unity, and to establish a good foundation in
the moral values that are so fundamental to have a good society.”
“We all belong to the same human race, share the same human nature,
and reach for the potential that God gave us.”
Elder Soares spoke about the need for peace,
contrasting human suffering in the wake of COVID, armed conflicts,
devastation, and the different kind of ailment that has emerged.
“Problematic levels of loneliness are experienced by
a substantial proportion of the population in many countries.
Let us not surrender to hardship. We must engage instead.
If we embrace the trial of faith,
God will make weak things become strong. Thank you very much.”
“We are all children of God. We came from the same root.
So as children of Heavenly Father, we have to fight for each other.
We have to support each other.”
Elder Soares also renewed old acquaintances during his time at
the congress and forged new friendships in a common good.
“We are grateful for your understanding about what we believe,
and we are very respectful to your faith and to your belief too.”
As part of the opening ceremony,
Kazakhstan President Kassym-jomart Tokayev presented Elder Soares,
the Congress Medal of Honor,
in recognition of the Church's outstanding contributions in
strengthening interreligious dialog. As an underlying theme of these term’s
congress, Elder Soares received this pin that represents the Tree of Life,
which came full circle on the second day. “Good morning, participants.”
Delegates arrived at the Park of Peace and Harmony,
where a new Tree of Life exhibit symbolizing eternal values was unveiled.
The concept of the park was developed as a symbol of cooperation,
friendship, and unity between different confessions
and nationalities in Kazakhstan.
The space was dedicated to the Seventh Congress of Leaders of World
and Traditional Religions.
Elder Soares joined all the delegates to personally plant more than 60 trees,
a fitting demonstration that epitomizes this triennial congress and
a spirit of unity and cooperation.
“I thought it was so positive because, you know,
when you see so many leaders interested of, you know,
finding ways to promote peace and promote well-being of people,
it brings people together and even closer to the savior, Jesus Christ.