Church Hosts World Interfaith Harmony Week Kickoff in Georgetown

Download Photo

Georgetown, Guyana—On February 3, 2025, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted a breakfast and kickoff event for World Interfaith Harmony Week at its Prashad Nagar Chapel. This event, organized by the Inter-Religious Organization of Guyana (IROG), marked the beginning of a week dedicated to fostering dialogue and harmony among different faith groups.

World Interfaith Harmony Week, declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010, is celebrated annually during the first week of February. Guyana, one of the sponsoring nations, has actively participated in this global initiative since its inception. The IROG has been instrumental in organizing events to promote interfaith dialogue and goodwill among various religious communities in Guyana.

The IROG has invited different faith groups to host the kickoff breakfast for the past two years. Last year’s event at the Hari Krishna Temple was a success, leading to this year’s invitation to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The event was presided over by IROG Chairman Pradhu Dave, who introduced the theme for the week: “Love of God & Love of the Neighbor.”

Prominent attendees included Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill, who represented President Dr. Irfan Ali, and Elder Vern P. Stanfill, General Authority Seventy and member of the Caribbean Area Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Youth advocate Ms. Sitti Ziya Bacchus delivered the UN message, emphasizing the importance of unity and coexistence in Guyana’s multicultural society. She highlighted the impact of collaboration and understanding among different faiths, stating, “Our diverse religious traditions teach the value of empathy and compassion… With dialogue, we can build bridges of understanding and work together to make a better future.”

Download Photo

Elder Vern P. Stanfill quoted from the 22nd Chapter of Matthew, discussing the intertwined commandments to love God and love one’s neighbor. He explained, “Our best and most devoted manifestation of our love of God is our love of our neighbor.”

In concluding remarks, Bishop Juan Edghill addressed current global conflicts and urged attendees to be part of the solution. He praised Guyana’s religious tolerance and emphasized the need to move from tolerance to respect, supporting efforts to uphold religious freedom principles.

After the formal presentations, the Church provided a lunch and hosted an open house. Local volunteers welcomed visitors and explained the Church’s various organizations, including the Primary Relief Society, Young Men, and Young Women groups.

Elder Stanfill expressed his gratitude to the IROG for the opportunity to host the event and thanked Chairman Pradhu Dave and Minister Juan Edghill for their participation.