West Africa Panel Discusses Living in Peace With One and Other

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was invited to participate in and provide a panelist for the September 2021 ‘Conscious Humanity’ conference.

Elder Samuel Annan-Simons was invited to be the representative of the Church in a panel discussion addressing religious harmony, peaceful coexistence, and working with different cultures.

Elder Annan-Simons addressed the conference attendees and taught “religion and culture are interwoven in many ways. There is a lot we have in common and when we work to find commonalities, we will find peace.” He also stated that “world peace begins with us and in our homes, it is our duty as parents to teach our children about the importance of families and service to others. We are all God’s children, and He cares about each of us. When we value and are concerned for others happiness then we are on God’s errand.”

Elder Annan-Simmons was continuing a global theme in the Church, following comments made recently by Elder Gerrit W. Gong, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, on how to better understand our Muslim friends.

Elder Annan-Simons quoted the 11^th Article of Faith, “We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”

The conference keynote speaker, Ishmael Tetteh, invited everyone to become critical thinkers and to work together to find ways to bring religious peace to the world. He taught “seek knowledge, be a personal example of respect, and invite others to follow and learn from you.”

Sister Emelia Ahadjie spoke to the conference participants and stated: “It all begins at home. We must understand and give honor to our families. It takes just one person to make a change in another person’s life. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been concerned about the ‘rising generation.’ The Church has much in common with the goals and peaceful desires taught in this conference and much in common with the Etheran Church and Mr. Ishmael Tetteh.”